What's in the water at CC?

[poohj80]

Took our 1st Disney Cruise a few weeks ago and had a question I thought I'd ask all you experts.

We didn't get in the water at CC for very long because it was still chilly, but we did get in for a bit. Almost immediately afterwards, we all started itching and I got a bit of a rash. I didn't think anything of it until I got back to work and a co-worker who has cruised in the past asked if we itched after going in the water so now I know it wasn't just us.

So, how common is this and what can we do next time to avoid the discomfort we experienced the rest of the day?

Thanks so much!
PJ

 

[kcashner]

Sounds like maybe sea lice. There are long posts on this...it is a seasonal problem. They are not really lice, they are jellyfish larvae.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I can't imagine that they put anything in the water as it is the Atlantic Ocean. Is it possible it was sea lice?

We didn't have this problem and DD has very sensitive skin.

 

[WDWLODGE]

My guess would be sea lice. How far out did you go? Did you stand on any of the little "islands". They often hang out in the grass there and if you stand in the grass you can stir them up.

 

[kcashner]

I could also answer things like "salt, sand, fish poop, fish, starfish, sea weed, algae, etc."

 

[poohj80]

I guess I should have added that none of us have ever had this problem before and we have been in the Atlantic many, many times. Can anyone recommend something we could put on to avoid the irritation in the future?

 

[tjbaggott]

Yep, I agree, sounds like sea lice. I've done some reading up on the boards on it. It will go away eventually.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I could also answer things like "salt, sand, fish poop, fish, starfish, sea weed, algae, etc."

And not including how many little kids are leaving gifts of pee in the water.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Usually sea lice likes warmer water and is more prevalent in the warmer summers months. The water on CC was too cold in my opinion last week for sea lice. There is a product that you can buy and use to repel sea lice. Never used it myself, but maybe somebody else can provide a link.

 

[disney minnie]

i just looked up sea lice and it suggested using Safe Sea before swimming in the ocean. Has anyone used this product and does it work?

 

[minnieandkids]

Sea lice is very common on the lower Atlantic coast of Florida / - but when the weather and water is much warmer. Usually May / June and it brings you into jelly fish season later in the summer.

The best thing to do - immediately after swimming take off bathing suit and shower with fresh water. If skin is tingly while swimming peroxide or rubbing alcohol will help.

Rash can last a few weeks depending on allergy to bites so an antihistamine or hydracortisone cream will help.

Aside from staying out of the water I am unfamiliar with anything to prevent the problem if it is sea lice.

Good luck

 

[RedSox68]

Here's the website for the product mentioned above: www . buysafesea.com

 

[DrD]

And not including how many little kids are leaving gifts of pee in the water.

Not just kids!!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Not just kids!!

Are you confessing??

 

[disneychic]

We used the sea safe lotion while on our 1st cruise in 2001 -- never bought it our used it again. I've been on a Disney Cruise every year since. Never had a problem. We've sailed at all different times of the year - January, July (3X), September, October, and we've never had a problem -- and my husband swims out FAR. I woudn't waste the $$ on it again. But, if using it will give you peace of mind then you should look into it.

 

[poohj80]

Thanks to all for the tips!

 

[TiggerTails57]

This sea-star was huge! about a foot wide..........

 

[BELLE16127]

I thought I had read somewhere before that you usually get these "bites" from standing around in the grassy patches in the water. When we cruised several years ago my son had this on his legs after standing and chatting with a few girls in the water....and yes he said he had been staning in the grassy patch.

I was in the snorkeling area and didn't notice it on myself or DH and have never had a problem with it out at the Adults only area.

 

[tigger2002]

Everything about sea lice

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=176596

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[tikimimi]

Took our 1st Disney Cruise a few weeks ago and had a question I thought I'd ask all you experts.

We didn't get in the water at CC for very long because it was still chilly, but we did get in for a bit. Almost immediately afterwards, we all started itching and I got a bit of a rash. I didn't think anything of it until I got back to work and a co-worker who has cruised in the past asked if we itched after going in the water so now I know it wasn't just us.

So, how common is this and what can we do next time to avoid the discomfort we experienced the rest of the day?

Thanks so much!
PJ

Just as with jellyfish stings, you can use meat tenderizer or vinegar to remedy the sting. A warm, soapy shower followed by either of the above is good, but whenever we go to any beach, I keep meat tenderizer in my bag. I have saved many a niece or nephew from misery because of it. I learned this at the camp I attended for years on the coast of NC. It does work. Also using very oily suntan products all over can help, but of course, your feet walk in the sand, so that would emove the oil before you got in the water.