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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 19
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We were told ( after we got stung) to apply suntan lotion liberally 1/2 hour before going in the water and then again right before we go in.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 345
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Hi Heatherack, Sounds like no fun. Also sounds like board members have lots of stories and preventatives, but not much experience with treating long-lasting after effects, except the benadryl and eurax. If you are no better, or are getting worse, you may want to see your doctor to find out if there is more that can be done. Perhaps take a copy of this message thread to help the doctor understand what sort of thing has "attacked" you. Hope you are feeling better soon. I am envious of your recent trip to AC, "bumps" notwithstanding.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 42
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OP
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Thanks, seachange, Actually got some sleep last night as the itching is a little less today in most spots. I have to disagree with the problem being "algae bloom". The only places I was stung were areas covered by my bathing suit; something was trapped and re-acted.we snorkled at Hol Chan last Thursday, and I was in the water in the shallows all day Friday (it was calm and very hot). Seems like most people affected have been in those 2 situations. I have to say, I'd definitely risk stings and plunge in rather than swim in the pool; I'll just be more aware next time and travel with Windex!
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,461
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If Eurax and antihistimine won't work, go to the dermatoligist. I had it real bad (successive exposures and reactions were worse and worse). You might need steriods.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,677
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I might still stick with the algae theory tho. If something gets trapped in your bathing suit, it has to be real small to get in there and get trapped, typically around constricted spots. I have a niece that seems to attract jellyfish, and her stings have all been on exposed areas and have a traditional branch or zig-zag set of localized welts, not rashes.
Been there, done that, the washing machine ate the T-shirt
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
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Just returned and we, too, were exposed to the pica-pica. We still have red bumps and a little itchiness and it has been a week since it happened in Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley. Our guide, Chocolate of Bottom Time, said that it was early for this to happen. I noticed that the snorkle tours were very thinly attended and afterward attributed the pica pica as to why. My husband & I were the only people on our trip so it was like a charter without the extra expense (of course we tipped lavishly to try to compensate). We had a fantastic day of snorkling and even if the pica were WORSE I would do it again. Holding a shark in my arms was a truly amazing experience-especially for a shark-phobic person! Great place, great time!
I don't want to sound like an idiot BUT my solution is too snorkle naked!! Yahoo!
Nori
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,251
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Was your bathing suit new and not washed? Did you wear the same suit more than once without washing it? Contact dermatitis is a thought. What did you wash it with? I'm looking backwards, not giving you help with welts. Have the "welts" progressed to other parts of the body? Vericella zoester has been known to happen more than once in a persons life
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,364
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Are some products more "living reef friendly" than others? coating yourself with suntan lotion and swimming at the reef does not sound good.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 42
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ny gal, the welts only spread if you scratch them, much like poison ivy. bathing suit was old and washed out nightly. Nori, only 2 others on our trip to Hol Chan, too -a real treat. saw 5 eagle rays swimming together, lots of sharks (almost conquered my fear of sea critters!) and fish of all shapes sizes and colors. I'd gladly risk pica pica again to spend another day in the beautiful belizean sea. swimming naked, now there's a thought...have to keep the old diet going for that or i'd probably scare the fish away!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
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Heatherack,
Right on about the diet for me too! I was probably scaring off a good number anyway! We saw what I thought was a lone leopard ray, it was absolutely HUGE- about 6 ft in diameter with a 6 foot tail. (I hope the picture comes out-but I am not expecting much). The green eels were quite ugly! I agree the experiece was worth a few pica pica welts. Looking forward to next year, already!
Nori
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