Welcome to ScubaBoard, an online scuba diving forum community where you can join over 185,000 divers from around the world discussing all things related to Scuba Diving. To gain full access to ScubaBoard (and make this large box go away) you must register for a free account. As a registered member you will be able to:
Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts.
Communicate privately with other divers from around the world.
Post your own photos or view from well over 100,000 user submitted images.
Gain access to our free classifieds marketplace to buy, sell and trade gear, travel and services.
Use the calendar to organize your events and enroll in other members' events.
All this and much more is available to you absolutely free when you register for an account, so sign up today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact the ScubaBoard Support Team.
My wife saw a reference on the web to the fact that they have sea lice in the waters around Grand Gayman. Now she's in a panic and trying to reschedule our vacation. So, how bad is this really? Particularly in the area of Seven Mile Beach, and in the month of November?
I realize that this topic has come up before but the last thread I saw was at least a couple of years old. Any current information would be greatly appreciated.
Thimble jellyfish (the cause of "sea lice" or more properly Sea Bather's Eruption) do pass through the area, but only in the later spring. Think April to June.
Chance of sea lice in Grand Cayman in November is zero.
November is usually absolutely lovely. Water is still quite warm and usually the seas are quite cooperative. It is still the end of hurricane season, but if we can avoid that then it is usually relatively calm and easy diving.
I've read that "sea lice" are actually the larvae of the thimble jellyfish. If you swim through them, and they get pressed against your skin, they may sting you causing an itchy, red rash. Here's an informative (if somewhat alarmist) webpage on the subject:
I'll check to Drew and the other locals to comment on how accurate this information is. I understand you can protect yourself easily with a number of home remedies or with a commercial product called "Safe Sea" which is available at your LDS or online.
"Sea lice" is a colloquial term for a medical condition known as Sea Bather's Eruption. This is a condition caused by contact with the larvae of the thimble jellyfish. Much like poison ivy or poison oak, sea lice can cause a rash and inflammation in sensitive people.
Some people, myself included, are highly sensitive and can end up with a painful itching rash particularly in areas where the bathing suit contacts the skin. The larvae manage to get under the clothing and where the clothing contacts the skin, the larvae are pushed against the skin causing them to trigger and sting. Being stung on particularly sensitive body parts is a real PAIN.
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
