Sea Lice and Vero Beach

[BWV Dreamin]

Has anyone ever encountered sea lice while at Vero Beach? This is a big concern on the cruise thread, and was wondering if this is only something to worry about further south, like in the carribean?

 

[Muushka]

I lived in Jupiter, which is about 60 miles or so south and we had sea lice. Hopefully a VB visitor will chime in.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I lived in Jupiter, which is about 60 miles or so south and we had sea lice. Hopefully a VB visitor will chime in.

Did you take any preventative measures....I don't know what they use for sea lice, some are saying head and shoulders shampoo. For head lice, I think one must use "Nit" or something like that.

 

[Muushka]

Did you take any preventative measures....I don't know what they use for sea lice, some are saying head and shoulders shampoo. For head lice, I think one must use "Nit" or something like that.

I am not an ocean swimmer, but my friend's daughter got it. When she came to my house we put "Rhuligel" by the Bandaid people on the affected areas and it disappeared. Not sure what to use prior or preventative, but that gel worked great for treating it. Good luck!

PS that gel works great on any type of skin reactions (like poison ivy).

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Hey miss "H"... I have been to VB a dozen times.....or more. You know I am a sea dweller... I have never even heard of sea lice let alone think I have encountered them... I am not sure they even exist...

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

sea lice exist but i thought they only infected fish.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I never knew what exactly these things were, but I'm pretty sure I have had these experiences off the cost of NJ!

http://www.surviveoutdoors.com/emergency/sea-lice.asp

Bobbi

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks for that link Bobbi! That sheds some light on these sea lice. Well I will definitely take some topical ointments as suggested on my trip ( I know I worry too much!) Thanks Rob for your comments....sometimes too much information is not a good thing!!

 

[Muushka]

Hey miss "H"... I have been to VB a dozen times.....or more. You know I am a sea dweller... I have never even heard of sea lice let alone think I have encountered them... I am not sure they even exist...

Have you ever seen a million dollars?

Google "sea lice". It appears that the name is just a nick name, sort of. It says:

Sea bather's eruption has been called sea lice by some. Sea lice is actually due to immature larval forms of parasitic flatworms and Sea lice usually attach themselves to fish but clearly can bite humans. Lots of info on the internet.

 

[Bopsmom]

This is a very informative link regarding sea lice.
http://www.fau.edu/safe/sea-lice.html

Having grown up near the Gulf, lived in BWI and scuba dive I try to be prepared for "stings" when we know we are going into the water. DH once got terrible stings from sea wasps in Honduras on a night dive, I carry a lovely Man o' War scar myself, etc.
I always make sure to pack things for stings-meat tenderizer, hydrogen peroxide,asprin,benedryl(sp?) just as a precaution.

Severe allergic reation is a primary concern-a big one especially if you are sensitive.

The other concern is secondary infections from scratching or having open sores. Staph is a big concern today. If you do get stings cover them up with big t-shirts or drag out that flowered mumu whatever works! Be careful about sitting/lounging on uncovered beach chairs, etc to avoid picking up germs left by other people. Think carefully about going into the water if you have open sores. The old wive's tale about salt water helping to heal doesn't always apply to sea water-we on the Gulf also have the extra bonus of fleash-eating bacteria in the waters during hot weather.

I hope this info helps.
Sea lice should only be a small concern-
I think of them like the potential for ants at your picnic they may be there, maybe not-, enjoy your trip, but be prepared.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

This is a very informative link regarding sea lice.
http://www.fau.edu/safe/sea-lice.html

Having grown up near the Gulf, lived in BWI and scuba dive I try to be prepared for "stings" when we know we are going into the water. DH once got terrible stings from sea wasps in Honduras on a night dive, I carry a lovely Man o' War scar myself, etc.
I always make sure to pack things for stings-meat tenderizer, hydrogen peroxide,asprin,benedryl(sp?) just as a precaution.

Severe allergic reation is a primary concern-a big one especially if you are sensitive.

The other concern is secondary infections from scratching or having open sores. Staph is a big concern today. If you do get stings cover them up with big t-shirts or drag out that flowered mumu whatever works! Be careful about sitting/lounging on uncovered beach chairs, etc to avoid picking up germs left by other people. Think carefully about going into the water if you have open sores. The old wive's tale about salt water helping to heal doesn't always apply to sea water-we on the Gulf also have the extra bonus of fleash-eating bacteria in the waters during hot weather.

I hope this info helps.
Sea lice should only be a small concern-
I think of them like the potential for ants at your picnic they may be there, maybe not-, enjoy your trip, but be prepared.

Excellent, excellent link! I also heard from the cruise line thread people showering with Head and Shoulders shampoo...must be some ingredient that kills them. Will definitely bring along detergent to wash these bathing suits, as well as all the topical treatments. So glad to read thats it really a minor situation.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Wow!!! Never heard of it either. And I have been going to North Broward County beaches for the past 35 years!!!!

thanks for the information!! We are going in Feb-- I hope we don't get it.

I do know that my brother (who is allegeric) has gotten stung by the man o wars-- and a few year ago we saw them all over the beach!!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Wow.... now I know. Thanks Tink-n-Belle I don't feel soo ignorant and the only person not hearing of them.