Sea Lice & Jellyfish Stings: Prevention & Relief Guide

Sea lice, also known as sea bather's eruption, are tiny stings caused by jellyfish larvae. Surfers can get sea lice eruptions in places where the surfboard touches the body during surfing. Sea lice break out severely where the bathing suit covers the body, and in areas of the body where they get trapped such as under the breasts and in the groin area.

Instructions

• 1

  Apply a sun block with jellyfish protection to all areas of your body. Specially formulated sun blocks can help prevent sea lice stings when surfing and swimming.

• 2

  Wash off your body and inside your bathing suit after you swim in the ocean. If possible, change your clothes or bathing suit immediately after leaving the ocean.

• 3

  Dilute a solution of water with either vinegar, alcohol or ammonia. Rub sea lice stings with the diluted solution and let them air dry.

• 4

  Apply a specially formulated sea lice gel that helps reduce itching and swelling. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion work well, too.

• 5

  Take Tylenol if your sea lice stings cause fever or body aches. Antihistamines can help reduce swelling and itching, but may cause drowsiness, too.