Itchy

Dear Dr. Jen,

I went to Malapascua last week and after swimming I noticed so many itchy, red spots on the areas hidden by the rashguard and trunks.  There were no jellyfish at that time, so I don’t know what happened.  It’s frustratingly itchy and calamine helps only  a bit.  What else can I take or use?

Nika

Dear Nika,

It’s probably a case of seabather’s eruption. It is caused by a marine life larvae.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be jellyfish, but can also be caused by anemone or other cnidarians.

The rash is typically found in the covered parts of the swimsuits. The sea lice or critters can be microscopic and they become trapped under the swimwear.  Once the swimmer leaves the ocean, the critters die and release the nematocysts.  The discharges cause the swimmer itchiness.  It can take up to two weeks for the rashes to disappear.

Treatment with anti-inflammatory lotions twice a day can give you maximum relief.  You can couple this with some antihistamines to control the urge to scratch.  To avoid recurrence, next time you go swimming in the beach, always rinse off with fresh water immediately.  Make sure the swimsuit also gets washed.

Dear Dr. Jen,

My son has rashes around his mouth all the time. He never used to have sensitive skin when he was a baby, but now at 9 years old, he is red and sensitive around the lips.  Is he allergic to something?

Chichi

Dear Chichi,

Allergies to food are the immediate thing you think about when you see rashes around the lips.   Since the skin surrounding the lips is very thin and sensitive, there are other allergies to also consider.  You can see an allergologist to get tested on food allergies.  Your dermatologist can also test for allergens he or she is commonly in contact with.

Though allergies are the easiest to treat, by putting on some mild steroid creams, think about your long-term goals.  Getting to the heart of the problem by finding the cause would be the best course of action.  This will prevent recurrence by avoiding the trigger allergen.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.