allergy question?

[grizzlyis1]

A close friend of mine has recently experienced some sort of allergy after diving. When these allergy attacks happen, they are occurring in Maui, Hawaii. She has many logged dives, and is a master diver. However, this allergy occurrence is just now appearing and getting worse. What happens is the following: she is usually doing a 2 tank dive at an average depth of 80 ft with normal safety stops. The allergy reaction has occurred on 3 different dives and 3 different dive boats. In addition, she has used different dive suits every time, and wears a skin underneath. After the dives, and she is home, she begins to have burning hives and rashes with pronounced veins across her abdomen and back. Her abdomen and back become very, very sore to the touch. The last occasion, she experienced a tightening in her throat that was restricting her breathing. She has been taken to the emergency room the last three times, and given a shot of benedryl which within minutes began to elevate the symptoms. Within two hours, the symptoms were mostly gone. One Doctor has suggested that what might be happening is that her core temperature is getting too low on the dives, and then when she is exposed to the sun from laying out, she then begins to get some sort of reaction. Another says it might be an allergy to the neoprene in the suit. Again, she has tried many different suits w/special linings; such as, a Harvey's ten mil. The doctors are questioning what might be causing this, and we are looking for anyone who might have experienced anything close or know any info. to help us. She loves diving more than just about anything. Please help us with any information that could possibly help answer what is going on.

 

[mania]

I have one question - did she do the allergy tests? That should answer whether this is an allergy to neoprene or not. That's the only advise that crossed my mind. It may turned out that she is allergic to neoprene or latex - the last is happening - I know a person allergic to latex so she has problems diving in the dry suit.
I myself sometimes have the allergy to sun and when it happens I stay away from the sun.
Mania

 

[grizzlyis1]

She is currently looking for an allergy doctor here (Dallas, TX), and is going to get the testing before she dives again. I will menton the latex to her. Thanks for the info.

griz

 

[Wreck]

You might get more information on this if it was posted under the medical section where the diving docs are.

 

[justleesa]

Since it has always happened when she goes to Maui she should maybe also check if it has to do with the water (and the bacterias). Have her sit down and write everything that she can think of that she did while diving here and compare it to what she usually does and uses. Maybe she used a different kind of suntan or body lotion, foods, beverages....it may be a combination of many things.
I know when I leave this one certain ring on I always get a rash around my finger....no ring, no rash.