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Galveston beachgoers warn of stinging ‘sea lice’ in the Gulf
Beachgoers in the Galveston, Texas area are reporting encounters with organisms colloquially known as ‘sea lice’ in the Gulf of Mexico. These organisms are not actually lice, but are tiny larval forms of stinging marine animals, such as jellyfish.
When these larvae become trapped between a person's skin and their swimwear, the resulting pressure can cause their microscopic stinging cells, or nematocysts, to fire. This leads to an intensely itchy red rash known as seabather's eruption.
While the condition can be uncomfortable and cause itching for several days, it typically resolves on its own. Common treatments include hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines, and cool compresses, though more serious symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
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- [● 3 SOURCES] The organisms causing seabather's eruption are tiny larval forms of stinging marine animals, such as jellyfish, rather than actual lice. 1470kyyw.com · ktemnews.com · klaw.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pressure from swimwear can cause the microscopic stinging cells, known as nematocysts, of larvae to fire. 1470kyyw.com · ktemnews.com · klaw.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Seabather's eruption typically resolves on its own, though itching may persist for several days. 1470kyyw.com · ktemnews.com · klaw.com