Seabather's Eruption
- Author: Clarence William Brown Jr, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD
Background
Seabather's eruption was first described in 1949 as a pruritic papular eruption occurring in bathers off the eastern coast of Florida. Seabather's eruption is a highly pruritic, papular eruption that occurs underneath the swimsuit after extended exposure to seawater. Seabather's eruption results from a hypersensitivity to the larval form of the thimble jellyfish, Linuche unguiculata.[1]Most cases occur from March to August, but the incidence peaks in May and June.
See Deadly Sea Envenomations, a Critical Images slideshow, to help make an accurate diagnosis.
See also Medscape Reference article Cutaneous Manifestations Following Exposures to Marine Life.
Pathophysiology
Seabather's eruption is a cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to contact with the larval form (planulae) of the thimble jellyfish, L unguiculata. The eruption typically occurs underneath the bathing garments, which are believed to trap the jellyfish larvae against the skin. Whether the discharge of venom by the trapped larvae plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the eruption remains uncertain. Factors that promote the discharge of venom by the larvae include wearing of bathing suits for prolonged periods following swimming, exposure to fresh water through showering, and mechanical stimulation.
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
The incidence of seabather's eruption is seasonal; the highest incidence occurs from May through August. This coincides with the warm gulf streams running along the Atlantic coastline of Florida and the corresponding spawn of thimble jellyfish larvae, which results in the high seasonal concentration of Linucheplanulae. In 1997, Kumar et al[2] reported the occurrence of seabather's eruption in Palm Beach saltwater swimmers in May to be 16%.
International
Seabather's eruption has been reported in Mexico and the Caribbean. The true prevalence of seabather's eruption along international coastlines remains unknown.
Mortality/Morbidity
No deaths have been attributed to exposure to thimble jellyfish larvae.
Race
Seabather's eruption occurs independent of race.
Sex
Seabather's eruption has been noted with equal frequency in both sexes.
Age
No correlation between age and risk for developing seabather's eruption has been noted. The severity of symptoms, particularly the frequency of fever, is greater in children than in adults.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.
