Seabather's eruption: report of case in northeast region of Brazil

Abstract

Seabather's eruption is characterized by the occurrence of intensely itchy erythematous papules observed mainly in the region covered by swimwear. The dermatitis occurs due to the contact of planula larvae of scyphomedusae Linuche unguiculata with the skin. The swimsuit pressure triggers the action of the poisonous stinging structures carried by the larvae. The case described occurred in a child who, while bathing in the ocean waters of the Northeast coast of Bessa's Beach located in the city of Joao Pessoa, state of Paraiba, showed typical clinical signs of the disease. It was concluded that the report of the case showed clinical and therapeutic implications for doctors working in all of the Brazilian coastal areas. Keywords: Brazil; Cnidaria; Cnidarian venoms; Dermatitis Resumo: O prurido do traje de banho é uma erupção caracterizada por pápulas eritematosas, intensamente pruriginosas, localizadas principalmente sob os trajes dos banhistas de mar. A dermatite ocorre pelo contato com as larvas plânulas da cifomedusa Linuche unguiculata que disparam seus nematocistos na pele do acidentado a partir das suas células de defesa, os cnidócitos. O caso ocorreu em uma criança que ao se banhar nas águas oceânicas do litoral da Região Nordeste na Praia do Bessa localizada na cidade de João Pessoa, Estado da Paraíba, apresentou quadro clínico típico da enfermidade. Concluiu-se que o relato do caso evidenciou implicações clínicas e terapêuticas para os médicos que atuam em todas as áreas litorâneas brasileiras.

Seabather's eruption presents Koebner phenomenon?

“…It is caused by contact with adults and planulae of the thimble jellyfish Linuche unguiculata and Linuche aquila (recently described in the Philippines). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The dermatitis also can be caused by larvae of sea anemones such as Edwardsiella lineata, whose diagnosis is clinical and epidemiological. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] We report a series of eight SBE cases with typical lesions that mimicked the Koebner Phenomenon (KP).…”

Diagnostic confusion between seabather’s eruption as well as dermatophytosis and parasitic infestations

“…Limited information is available on this type of dermatitis. However, it is considered a public health concern in Brazilian coastal areas [2][3][4][5][6][7] . Here, we report two typical cases of SBE characterized by exuberant and eczematous lesions, aggravated by diagnostic confusion with dermatophytosis and parasitic infestations such as cutaneous larva migrans and scabies.…”

“…The occurrence of SBE among individuals living on the Brazilian coast is caused by the planulae and the scyphomedusa L. unguiculata, which is found on the Santa Catarina coast 2-8 . Limited information is available of this type of dermatitis, and its occurrence is mainly observed in individuals living on the coastlines of São Paulo and Santa Catarina [3][4][5][6][7] . In this study, the initial clinical manifestations, which include erythematous, itchy papules that appeared during exposure to seawater, particularly in areas covered by bathing suits, with a gradual increase in itching, were typical of SBE in children [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] .…”

“…Clinical and epidemiological diagnoses can be made. However, the absence of confirmatory laboratory examination findings can lead to diagnostic confusion [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] . Differential diagnoses, such as swimmer's itch and allergic reactions to insect bites, can be distinguished based on well-characterized clinical manifestations that appear during bathing in freshwater infested by Schistosoma Contact with sand on the beaches supported the diagnostic suspicion of ringworm and parasitic infestations, such as scabies and cutaneous larva migrans.…”

An Approach to Skin Lesions in the Returning Traveler

“…This common condition, which is caused by contact with the planula larvae of scyphomedusae Linuche unguiculata, is most widespread during the summer months when beaches are heavily populated [23].…”