Whale sharks

Dear Dr. Jen,

My family and I went to see the whale sharks. The very next day, we noticed very itchy rashes all over our bodies. We did not see any jellyfish. What is the cause of the rashes? And what can we use to help make it go away?

Lina

Dear Lina,

It most probably is seabather’s eruption caused by sea lice.  There are numerous barely visible larval stages of jellyfish and anemone in the sea.  Most of them cannot be seen. They get trapped inside our swimsuits.  Once we leave the sea, the larvae dies as it is stuck on our skin and releases chemicals that cause a lot of itchiness.

When swimming in the ocean, remove your swimsuit immediately and wash with fresh water.  Once the larvae have discharged and the itching has started, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory creams are your best friends. Taking antihistamine will suppress the itchiness and even prevent new hypersensitivity reaction to the nematocysts. You can also apply a potent steroid cream or lotion such as fluocinonide or betamethasone.  It may take about a week for the rashes to stop being itchy.

Dear Dr. Jen,

My daughter was diagnosed to have skin asthma on her face and arms.  What is the best cure for skin asthma?

Mary

Dear Mary,

Skin asthma or eczema or atopic dermatitis, manifests as dry, red, itchy skin usually on the face, neck, inner arms or area behind the knees. This is commonly encountered in childhood.  Children with skin asthma have “barrier defects” causing their skin to be constantly dry and sensitive to chemicals.

In some patients, the condition disappears when they reach their 20s.  Most are left with just dry skin, no longer red or itchy.  One of the best approaches to skin asthma is prevention of flare-ups. One of the pillars of maintenance in treating eczema is use of hypoallergenic moisturizers.  Staying away from harsh soaps and strong fragrances will also help. Incorporating these simple habits into your kid’s routine will go a long way in not having to deal with constant derma visits throughout your child’s life.

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.