Sea Lice Prevention

[vladimir]

3. No one has attempted to answer my original question of the effectiveness of us using our regulat sunscreen or hand lotion on preventing future sea lice stings.

Your regular sunscreen or hand lotion will do nothing to prevent future sea lice stings.

 

[fisherdvm]

I think as the mask is silicon or rubber, it is unlikely to be sea lice. Sea lice tends to occur under porous material, which acts like a net, or trap the small 0.5 mm larval polyps. Therefore, I do not believe the lesions under the lips are from sea lice. If the concentration of sea lice was high enough, I would expect it under the wet suit, bras, underpants, or boots.

The outer side of the back of the hand is not under a glove or a porous watch band, therefore, I do not suspect sea lice.

Some folks suggests that sunscreen can help, but I don't know how it would. I imagine that it is due to the lipid content of the sunscreen that prevent penetration of the sting.... That's why I wonder if petrolateum might work better or the same as the so called Safe Sea sunscreen.

 

[fisherdvm]

Here is one author suggesting petrolateum as an effective prevention for jelly fish sting:


http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/MarineNotes/Jul-Aug94/side1.html

The Sting: Prevention and Treatment
The tentacles of the sea nettle contain millions of microscopic stinging cells called nematocysts that inject toxins to capture and paralyze prey as well as to defend the jellyfish from would-be predators. When a swimmer brushes against a tentacle, the resulting sting is painful and annoying. Lightweight protective clothing, like a Lycra "swim skin" or panty hose, or a layer of petroleum jelly spread on bare skin will protect a swimmer against stings.

There are several things that you can do if you get stung. If bits or pieces of tentacles are still on the skin, pour alcohol or baby powder on the area. Alcohol will stabilize the nematocyst so that it will not be triggered. Powders do the same by drying the cells out. Without such treatment, tentacles which are disturbed may release additional nematocysts, causing additional irritation and swelling.

Next, apply diluted ammonia, sodium bicarbonate, vinegar or meat tenderizer to the area to relieve pain. Meat tenderizer is one of the best sources of relief from stings. Add a small amount of water to the meat tenderizer to make a paste and smear it on the inflamed area. Meat tenderizer is an enzyme which breaks down proteins. Jellyfish venom is made of protein and is consequently destroyed by the meat tenderizer.