That crazy ocean itch
Now is the time of year weeny stinging organisms begin to bloom in these waters, resulting in what locals call "aguas malas"; literally, ‘bad waters’.
The larval form of the thimble jellyfish, or "dedalillo", is the culprit. Direct contact with skin - particularly in the friction areas of a swimsuit or bathing cap, or in body creases - can trigger the discharge of nematocysts, or ‘arrow cells’. The releasing toxins may cause skin affections, a little local pain and itching.
Around the Caribbean, the common wisdom specifically warns against ocean swimming between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day yearly, but the problem ‘window’ is often longer.
Lifeguards will usually know when the little buggers are most prevalent.
Another ‘popular’ name for the marine critters is "sea lice". This is actually something else entirely, but even so, online bulletin boards like CancunCare and TripAdvisor carry messages about sea lice and recommended creams such as Safe Sea. Some people swear by it; others do not. You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Some bathers seem more susceptible - those with allergies, for example.
To reduce the likelihood of suffering from the itch, follow these simple steps…
- always shower immediately after coming out of the sea.
- shower again thoroughly with the hottest water you can stand immediately upon returning to your room from the beach
- apply water vigorously to your belly button and all err… hairy areas.
- wash & rinse swimsuit and heat dry
Many regular beachgoers have their own remedies for the seasonal itchy rash.
Mel Zelniker has felt the "exquisite itch", though not badly. He commented to me that the lifeguards recommend alcohol de caña (pure grain alcohol) administered topically. This is cheap and available at most farmacias.
Mel added helpfully, "a single malt like a Lagavulin Double Matured administered internally helps, too."
A 1 or 2 percent hydrocortisone cream, available in Mexico without prescription, can knock the itch down quickly, and local ‘cures’ include applying vinegar and / or pee (yeah, I know).
"As in all things, common sense prevails," Mel said. "It’s a fact of life…and the reason God invented chlorinated and filtered swimming pools for those days when the sea is itchy."
With thanks to Jim Wehrle, Mel Zelniker and Jules Siegel.
Photo: Tulum, April 9th; ©Chantelle Tucker.
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