Re: [Paddlewise] RE: Itchy in saltwater... sea lice

>In a message dated 1/4/00 3:34:34 PM, BDenton_at_aquagulf.com writes:
>
>>Sea Lice are something completely different that only occurs in parts
>>of
Scott wrote;
>Ahh, the Lyme ticks of the sea... I believe they are larvae of jellyfish
>(Cassiopeia ??). Whatever they are, I'd still rather scratch than freeze!
>
The parasite trematodes (flukes) may be another answer to the explanation of
sea lice.  The trematode larvae released from certain marine snails found in
estuarine regions along the Gulf of Mexico, while searching for their final
fish, bird, or reptile host, may instead burrow into the skin of humans.  IT
is said to produce a relatively harmless type of reaction that causes welts
and itching similar to mosquito bites.
On at least three occasions while  bathing in the Gulf I experienced the
above reaction.  I ain't got a clue if it was the larvae from jelly fish or
flukes it could have been either.   The itching only lasted a couple of
hours and the welts were gone early the next day.  Of course we all
react differently, some it may not have been as bad where as others the
reaction may have been worse.
   Like Scott I'd take the larvae (on the exterior) rather than freezing.
I would like to hear any possible explanations of sea lice.  With all the
stuff dats out there surly there is many explanations.
Arthur Hebert

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