Allergy to something in the weed?

[Steve from NZ]

Hi there

I posted a message last year about cold sores I developed which I put down to diving around rocks and weeds in NZ (hunting crayfish). I have since been monitoring my dives and these pesky sores, and I think it is indeed a reaction to something in the water specifically around the seaweed/kelp/rocks. I changed my mask and mouthpiece, and this summer I had at least a dozen dives out on the sand in around 30 feet of water gathering scallops, no problems. The first dive I had near rocks and weed, my lip was buzzing within minutes of entering the water, and swollen after 10 minutes, and by the time I got home (around 1 hour later) half my lip had swelled up, and was developing the cold sore.

Any one heard of this, it is very strange me thinks!

 

[Saturation]

Hi there

I posted a message last year about cold sores I developed which I put down to diving around rocks and weeds in NZ (hunting crayfish). I have since been monitoring my dives and these pesky sores, and I think it is indeed a reaction to something in the water specifically around the seaweed/kelp/rocks. I changed my mask and mouthpiece, and this summer I had at least a dozen dives out on the sand in around 30 feet of water gathering scallops, no problems. The first dive I had near rocks and weed, my lip was buzzing within minutes of entering the water, and swollen after 10 minutes, and by the time I got home (around 1 hour later) half my lip had swelled up, and was developing the cold sore.

Any one heard of this, it is very strange me thinks!

Its common Steve, not to the NZ weeds, but to be allergic or develop a contact dermatitis to something in the water, such as spores. If you are diving in a populated area and being close to shore, be wary its not really a type reaction to pollution in the water. I've cared for several patients who developed rashes in their throats, ears, and other places swimming in the 'shore' at the height of summer. I thought it odd it occurred in multiple 'orifices'. It turned out to be E. Coli, likely from human waste water contaminating the surf line.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Steve,

Sounds unpleasant.

Some persons are allergic to certain algal organisms. However, before considering this possibility one will want to be fairly confident they can rule out causes related to sun/wind/dryness; contact dermatitis due to exposure to other irritants; and mechanical, allergic or contamination processes associated with the regulator mouthpiece. It sounds like you've made some efforts to do so.

A full spectrum protectant (e.g., Blistex DCT, Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30) should be applied the lips prior to and throughout exposure to the elements, exposure to the elements limited to the extent possible and the mouthpiece comfortable, recently disinfected and otherwise clean, and not allergenic.

Also, diving in water that may be contaminated by chemical pollutants should be avoided. Water near sewerage discharge may contain troublesome bacteria such as E. coli, but it wouldn't be likely that this type of microbe would predictably cause the lips (only) to be "...buzzing within minutes of entering the water, and swollen after 10 minutes...."

If the problem persists despite these efforts, a trip to the allergist/immunologist/dermatologist may be useful in sorting out the possibility of a seaweed or other contact dermatitis.

Please do let us know what happens.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Steve from NZ]

Thanks for the replies. I'm confident it is not pollution related, as they have occurred at different times of the year when there are few boats/people around, and also in places like the Poor Knights, an offshore marine reserve here which has pristine water. The spores idea sounds interesting, I must check some scientific literature and see what is in our waters around weeds - quite a few suspects I would think, over summer there is a lot of plankton in the waters I dive. My solution this year (two weeks ago) was to purchase an Aga full face mask! Now have to learn to use it correctly as I'm finding some difficulty (after 3 dives) equalising with the nose block it comes with.

Regards

Steve

 

[Steve from NZ]

Hi guys

I went for a cray dive in the weekend with the new full face mask - no problems. Very pleased to have (hopefully, on a sample of 1) overcome the problem.

cheers

Steve