fire coral

[DandyDon]

Here's the tree I was talking about. The OP symptoms sound a bit more like what this would cause.

Savanna White Poisonwood: Cameraria latifoloa, Family Apocynaceae
This tree is identifiable by its dark green lanceolate leaves that are wavy on the leaf margins. It hid-small red berries. As with many poisonous plants, sensitivity to contact with it depends on the individual. A few are affected by proximity to the tree without actual contact while a few others can walk through its foliage with little effect. For most however, contact with the leaves or bark of the tree produces itching and blistering of the affected skin, much like the poison ivys, oaks and sumacs of North America. Fortunately visitors are unlikely to encounter che chem unless you go into the bush and then long trousers, long sleeve shirts, shoes, socks and a little care will keep contact at a minimum. There are remedies to counteract the effect of che-chem it you happen to come in contact with it.

Sounds kinda like the Caribbean island tree we're warned about. I think that Joe and his wife were on an island-a-day cruise and could have encountered a number of different possible irritants. I reacted badly to the biting noseeums in the Honduras last time I was there, much worse than before.

Anyway, if Joe comes back today, I do hope he gets his wife to a physcian Asap for proper treatment. Joe, you can call Divers Alert Network (DAN) at 1-800-446-2671 for a real-time discussion with medical pros before going in. It's free to non-members and members alike.