Sea Lice..any products work to prevent it? I see Sea Safe lotion

[Disney1fan2002]

My DS16 cannot swim at Castaway Cay. He gets a rash each and every time. It's red, swollen, painful rash that makes the rest of the cruise a bit uncomfortable for him. At first I thought maybe his bathing suit was too small, and sand was getting trapped and irritating his skin...but then I bought him a bigger bathing suit that I knew fit correctly and he still got the rash. It is on the insides of his legs and groin area. 3 different trips have been spoiled by this. Now he doesn't even want to get off the ship at Castaway.

His science teacher told him it is probably sea lice. I did some research, and it sounds like that is exactly what it is. Why it only affects him and not the rest of us, I don't know. He is very sensitive to allergies, so maybe that's it.

I saw there is a lotion called Sea Safe that is supposed to prevent the "stings" of sea lice. Has anyone used a lotion like this and does it really work? I plan on talking to DS's pediatrician before we leave, but wanted to know if anyone has had experience in this area, and what has worked?

 

[AquaDuck1]

My husband and I have both experienced something like this on our legs--his is always worse though. We've even taken pictures to show the dermatologist. What works for us is Tinactin Antifungal powder spray. Have him shower when he gets back on the boat and just spray it on after he is dry. You may have to do this several times in the few days after CC.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!!!
Aquaduck1

 

[disneyholic family]

we used something on our first stop at castaway cay..
we so disliked the feel of the lotion that we just didn't go swimming the next time..

i can't remember what it was called, but it did keep them away from us (while others suffered).
but still, i didn't like the feel of the lotion.
It took forever to wash the stuff off!!

 

[Ephany]

I actually just ordered another 2 bottles of Sea Safe for our upcoming trip. Last time I coated DD and DH in it before we got off the ship. It lasted for hours, and I noticed that neither one of them was complaining about itching although a lot of other kids and parents were, especially near the play structure in the water. There were quite a few kids crying in the outdoor showers and scratching at themselves all over. It did wear off towards the afternoon, so we've agreed that this go-around we'll reapply it around lunchtime.

I don't know if it'll work for everyone, but it did for us. I figure the $30 is a small price to pay compared to losing swim time at Castaway Cay and being miserable/itchy for the afternoon.

Edit: I don't remember it being hard to wash off, maybe we were just relieved to not be itchy. We use the 30+ sensitive skin bottle. FSHIP should get you free shipping on a order of 3 bottles, SAVE10 should save you 10% when you use a code at checkout.

 

[wishuponastarforever]

Is there a particular time of year or is this year round? We've heard sea lice exist but have never talked to anyone who experienced them. Sounds nasty.

 

[Daniellenbella]

We used Sea Safe last time as well, also bought the one for sensitive skin. We had no problems with it at all, it was just like applying regular sun block. I don't know if sea lice was a problem at Castaway Cay that day or not, but we did not have any bites or rashes when we returned to the ship. I'll use it again next year b/c I see no reason to take the chance. It sounds really uncomfortable.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

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

Check this out from the FAQ thread. I use regular sunscreen and an allergy pill like Zyrtek or Allevert during the trip for further prevention.

 

[disneyholic family]

you've convinced me - i'm going to buy it again for my sister and mom...
my problem is i just can't stand anything on my skin..
i never wear sunscreen or cream or makeup or anything, so i'm not a good person to ask..

i'll buy it so my mom and sister can swim if they want..

 

[Disney1fan2002]

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

Check this out from the FAQ thread. I use regular sunscreen and an allergy pill like Zyrtek or Allevert during the trip for further prevention.

Thank you for that link..I am coping the text here, so people who are curious about sea lice can read it, if they miss the link.

Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Sea Lice, But Were Afraid to Ask

What are these critters we call Sea Lice?

First off, they are not lice. They are the larval form of the Thimble Jelly Fish. Thimble Jellies look like a large brown thimble that would fit on your thumb. Don't waist your time looking for the larva as they are rather small. The larva may still be present even if there are no mature Thimble Jellies to be seen. A more proper term for exposure to these larvas would be Sun Bather's Eruption (SBE). Each larva is covered by nematocyst. These are the guys that cause the SBE. When there is a change in the larva's environment, (i.e. going from salt to fresh water, drying out, feeling trapped between your skin and swimwear) the nematocysts fire. When they fire they inject a substance into your skin that causes the reaction. The reaction leaves you with itch red bumps. These are most often found in areas that were covered with swimwear.

Somewhere I read but now cannot find, the source that the larva often could be found in Turtle Grass and they tend to get stirred up by careless swimmers. There is a little bit of Turtle Grass at Castaway Cay Snorkeling area; you know the shallow swim way that leads to the main area. Yep, that area where everybody stops to stand up and adjust their gear, where they can also stir the Turtle Grass and get the larva stirred up.

These critters are usually found in the wider Caribbean area from March to August. The greatest chance of exposure is from April to June. I have been told that there is a pattern from South to North as the waters warm. Personally I have seen them heavy in the Bahamian out islands in May.

How do you prevent or lessen your exposure?

Get out of your wet swim garments immediately after you leave the water. Shower only after you are out of your swim wear. By rinsing with your swim wear on you might cause the nematocysts to fire.

Before the advent of SafeSea a healthy application of sunscreen was recommended. Some folks used baby oil or even petroleum jelly. I became aware of SafeSea about three years ago. SafeSea is a sunscreen developed to help prevent exposure to sea critters that sting. (There is a disclaimer that SeaSafe has not been tested against Portuguese man-o-war and box jellyfish. These are very dangerous and I doubt if there are any volunteers to be test subjects.) It has received good reviews and can be found a dive shops. Their website is www.nidaria.com. SeaSafe maybe available at either of these outlets www.diversdirect.com or www.lifestylesdirect.com.



OK… too late I got those pesky bumps now what do I do?

When you first see those red bumps form, a good scrubbing with soap and water with a very good strong rinse. You can also soak the affected area with white vinegar. Calamine lotion may be helpful. Topical application of hydrocortisone twice daily might lessen the reaction. They should dissipate in about 7-10 days.

Make sure you wash your swimwear well and make sure it is dry before worn again.

If you have a severe allergic reaction or a prolonged reaction seek medial evaluation.

Hope this helps to answer your questions about Sea Lice, a misnomer for SBE. Don't let those little critters keep you from enjoying the "Big Blue Wet Thing" (the ocean).

What I highlighted in red is interesting. I have been thinking why don't I just have him cover his bathing suit area with vasoline? The vasoline should prevent the "stings". But then I was thinking about oil and the sun. I used to use baby oil and then go sun bathe, I almost literally fried myself to a crisp one year. Not good. I know it will be under his bathing suit, but it still has me worried.

I think I will by the Sea Safe. One 4oz bottle should be enough for him. We don't get off the ship in Nassau.

 

[pjmjsj]

Is the season generally over by the beginning of October (when we sail)? I sure hope so!

 

[MommaPooh217]

Make sure to wash your bathing suits in very hot soapy water as well.

 

[Nola Girl]

To those who have used Sea Safe-
Is it just like regular sunscreen? Not slimy? DD was in her words "attacked by a killer jellyfish" on Castaway Cay when she was 12. We will be celebrating her 21st birthday on a cruise in a couple of weeks and she still refuses to get in the water a CC! I think she would use this product if it would not make her feel sticky.

 

[LessMouse]

Hey Guys

Ever thought about wearing compression short under the swim trunks? I wear them and a rash guard shirt ( SPF around 50) when I dive. Never once had any issues.

 

[triciari]

Hey Guys

Ever thought about wearing compression short under the swim trunks? I wear them and a rash guard shirt ( SPF around 50) when I dive. Never once had any issues.

We live in RI, and while I don't think we have sea lice in our waters, my boys often get a similar rash when we go to the beach. Tight swimmers pants to the knee (look like bike shorts) seem to work well to prevent it. They'd wear them alone when hey were younger, but I think now held want to wear regular trunks over them, like he PP suggested. I also found that coating their thighs in Vaseline before swimming helps.