Sea lice are a lesser-known but irritating hazard for swimmers in warm coastal waters, including Bermuda. Despite the name, sea lice are not actual lice; they are the larvae of jellyfish or sea anemones that become trapped between your skin and clothing, often causing an itchy, stinging rash known as “seabather’s eruption.”
Symptoms of Sea Lice Sting:
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Rash that appears underneath where a bathing suit would be
- Red bumps that may come together and resemble a large, red mass
What to Do if You Are Stung by Sea Lice:
If you begin to feel a tingling, prickling, or burning sensation while swimming or shortly after getting out of the water, you may be encountering sea lice. The first thing you should do is exit the water immediately to stop further exposure.
Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin, as this can trigger more stings. Remove your swimsuit as soon as possible—larvae get trapped under tight-fitting areas like waistbands and straps. Rinse your skin with fresh water, and take a shower without your bathing suit on, using mild soap to wash off any remaining larvae or irritants.
To relieve itching and discomfort, apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or take an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine. A cool compress can also help soothe the skin. Avoid re-wearing the same swimsuit until it has been thoroughly washed in hot water and dried.
Symptoms usually resolve within a few days, but if the rash worsens, blisters appear, or you experience fever or swelling, consult a healthcare professional—especially if you have a history of allergic reactions.
To prevent future sea lice encounters, avoid swimming during jellyfish bloom seasons, wear a snug rash guard instead of a loose swimsuit, and shower immediately after swimming.
Though uncomfortable, sea lice stings are rarely dangerous. Prompt action and good hygiene can help minimize the irritation and keep your beach day from being ruined.
What Should You Not Do if Stung by Sea Lice:
Do NOT stay in the water: The longer you remain in the water, the more larvae may become trapped under your swimsuit, leading to more stings. Exit immediately once you feel tingling or itching.
Do NOT rub your skin or towel off vigorously: Rubbing the affected area can trigger more nematocysts (stinging cells) to release venom, worsening the rash and discomfort.
Do NOT keep your swimsuit on: Sea lice often get trapped under swimwear, especially in tight areas. Leaving it on gives them more time to sting. Remove it as soon as possible and rinse off.
Do NOT rewear your bathing suit without washing it: Larvae can cling to fabric even after you leave the water. Wearing an unwashed suit again may re-trigger stings. Wash swimwear in hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Do NOT scratch the rash: Scratching can lead to skin damage or secondary infection. Use antihistamines or anti-itch creams instead to control irritation.
Do NOT apply vinegar or fresh water directly if the skin is irritated: Unlike some jellyfish stings, vinegar isn’t consistently effective for sea lice and may irritate the skin further. Stick with cool showers, hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamines unless directed otherwise by a medical professional.
