Sea Lice or Thimble Jellies?

[Scubagolf]

Thanks for all the input. We are packing and taking the red eye to Coz for a week at Scuba Club on Monday night. I am packing my two bottles of "Sea Safe."

 

[lucidblue]

A trick I learned from the locals to prevent prolonged itching -- to be used after other direct treatments -- is to cover affected areas with hairspray. This works for hydroid stings, mosquito and sand fly bites, too. Brings relief, especially if you can't sleep because of the itching!

Great tip, thanks! Mosquitoes love me, so this should save some sleepless nights.

 

[Oki Dirt Diver]

How long do these things haaang around?

 

[deborahdelamar]

The thimble jellies really aren't much trouble -- most are eaten by turtles and fish and they're big enough to see so you can push them away or otherwise avoid them during your safety stop. The larvae can be trouble because you can't see them in the water -- only feel them after. The season start depends on when the water warms up and that was a little over a month later than usual this year. The sea lice are usually gone by late July but the later start may mean a later end. Just because they're there doesn't mean you'll break out in a rash if you dive. Best practice is to remove your swim attire as soon as possible when you get back to the hotel and rinse it out very well before you put it back on.

 

[okiraku_diver]

He keeps "Sea Safe" in his dive bag as well to help prevent stings.

Thanks. I bought new one yesterday.
Last summer in Cozumel, I was stung by something invisible in water or surface....

 

[Himself]

Can anybody please report on whether Sea Lice are currently a problem in Cozumel, and where in Cozumel Safe Sea is sold?

Thank you.