Attacked by a Reef?

[dk2943]

A few weeks ago, I went diving in the Florida Keys. The water was warm, so I wore my shorty wetsuit. After I got home, I noticed a line of irritation on my wrist and on each knee. Each spot itched! I put hydrocortisone cream on each spot. It almost killed the itching and after the few days, the redness went away and the spots went away on my knees. I wrote it off to a brush with a reef. About a week later, I noticed that the line on my wrist still had bumps and then started to itch. It has been itching for days. I am beginning to think this is not from a reef. Any suggestions?

 

[dyyys1]

Could it be your wetsuit? Maybe something irritating got caught in the seam or maybe the material just irritates you for some reason.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi dk2943,

The rash described could well be related to contact with nematocysts of some sort (e.g., stinging hydriods, fire coral, "sea lice").

The allergic reaction to such stings can relapse and remit for weeks or even months.

Given that hydrocortisone cream was effective in at least transiently resolving the condition, it might be tried again. An oral antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl) may also provide some relief.

If the condition does not improve or becomes worse, consultation with a dermatologist would be prudent.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

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.

 

[LavaSurfer]

I second the vote for nematocysts
Sounds just like the bout I had with Fire Coral and it took over 6 weeks to completely clear up. I knew what stung me and I have had several Jelly Stings that usually went away after a day or so. I am guessing Fire Coral!

 

[dk2943]

No, it could not have been the wetsuit, as my arms were bare. I dove since wearing my full 3/2, but there are no seams or the like to have caused this. The diagnosis/guess of nematocysts makes a lot of sense. I will use the hydrocortisone cream and see what happens. If there is anything to report, this forum will be the first to know

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi dk2943,

Yes, the wetsuit hypothesis wasn't a very compelling one given your descriptions.

In any event, it is expected that this rash will entirely resolve in time.

If hydrocortisone cream and an antihistamine do not bring resolution, or the rash once again very much improves, only to return, a visit to the dermatologist may provide additional relief.

In the meantime, watch for infection.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

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.

 

[DandyDon]

Another example of why I suggest that shorties are for Jet Skiers. Long jumpsuits protect much better, and I don't think anyone ever plans an injury, rash, etc. Hope yours clears quickly, itching inflammations can be awful.

 

[gangrel441]

This sounds nearly identical to my wife's run-in with fire coral years ago. During her second flare-up, she contacted DAN for advice. Their recommendation was a hot compress. She used that treatment and within days, the irritation went away and never recurred.

 

[dk2943]

After reading all of your helpful posts, and I really do appreciate them and this forum in general, I put more hydrocortizone on the spot. After a couple of days, the itching stopped, but the welts did not shrink for about two or three weeks. The welts are still there, but they are almost gone.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi dk2943,

That is good news.

As was stated earlier, these rashes can take time to resolve. Hopefully it will not return.

Best of luck.

Regards,

DocVikingo