Seaweed Dermatitis

The Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms on Aquatic Organisms

“…It has been speculated that many of the bioactive metabolites produced by Lyngbya function in nature as mechanisms that protect this alga from predation by a variety of groups (e.g., crustaceans, herbivorous fish, and gastropods) (Orjala et al, 1995a;Thacker et al, 1997). Lyngbya majuscula is common in marine tropical areas and has principally been associated with contact skin dermatitis in humans (Grauer and Arnold, 1961;; it has caused numerous outbreaks of dermatitis in the Hawaiian Islands and in Japan (Moore, 1984). Apart from laboratory experimentation with small mammals and field observations in humans, it is unclear if contact dermatitis associated with L. majuscula is a problem for aquatic animals such as marine mammals or sea turtles.…”

U.S. drinking water challenges in the twenty-first century.

“…Some aerosolized red tide toxins produce asthmalike and other respiratory effects (51). Some algal blooms also cause dermatitis (52) or are cytotoxic (53). Theoretically, warmer temperatures and especially warmer winters may result in higher microbial and nutrient loadings in drinking water supplies, promoting biofilm growth within the distribution system and, in turn, supporting survival of some pathogens and their indicators.…”

Water pollution control

“…Even minor contact with cyanobacteria in bathing water can lead to skin irritation and increased likelihood of gastrointestinal symptoms (Pilotto et al, 1997), Some severe skin reactions have been reported, particularly from contact with the marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula, which causes deep blistering when trapped under the bathing suit of swimmers (Grauer, 1961). In this case the organism contains a powerful dermal toxin which is further described in section 4.2.8.…”

“…Swimmers may be in contact with benthic cyanobacteria after a storm breaks off clumps of filaments, or cyanobacterial mats naturally detach from the sediment and are accumulated on the shore . Some marine beaches have been reported to have widespread problems due to a benthic marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula, growing on rocks in tropical seas and causing severe blistering when trapped under the bathing suits of people swimming following a storm (Grauer, 1961). This response may be due to acute toxicity; Lyngbya can produce irritant toxins.…”