iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
When you go to the beach you expect sun, sand and water — but not sea lice.
The nearly invisible marine pest is lurking in warm waters this summer and it’s giving beachgoers an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms.
Sea lice are no bigger than a speck of ground pepper and are actually the tiny larvae of adult jelly fish. They get caught in a swimmer’s bathing suit, clothes and even hair as they’re in the water.
Itching usually starts several hours after swimming and lasts two to four days. Sometimes, it can last as long as two weeks.
The rash from sea lice, while a nuisance, often goes away on its own but it’s recommended that you beat the rash with an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream. Bathing in oatmeal and applying calamine lotion can also be soothing.
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