Sea Lice

[AnyMan]

We will be in Tulum one month from today - YEAH!!!.

I have heard that it is sea lice season :eek: - perfect timing. Do lotions such as Safe Sea work in protecting you?

Is Safe Sea available in PDC or Tulum or should I buy it before I go?

[Barblin]

Oh no what's that again? Aren't mosquitoes, sandfleas and bugs already enough of the bad? :eek:

[mayaflya]

Shhhhhhh....don't let AdGuy hear this but the easiest strategy for avoiding sea lice is to not wear a swim suit! ;-)

link to thread on another forum:
http://forums.locogringo.com/forums/tm.asp?m=813780&mpage=1&key=sea%2Clice&#813780 (http://forums.locogringo.com/forums/tm.asp?m=813780&mpage=1&key=sea%2Clice&#813780)

[kimba]

OK, what exactly *are* sea lice? And why are they to be avoided?

We don't have them in California.

[minniemex]

OK, what exactly *are* sea lice? And why are they to be avoided?

We don't have them in California.

http://www.surviveoutdoors.com/emergency/sea-lice.asp

or

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=16889

I have never encountered them in Mexico as yet.

[kimba]

Oh, wow, they are real!

[AnyMan]

Does anyone know if the Safe Sea works? Would I be waisting my hard earned :twocents::dollarsign::twocents:?

[Gale in KY]

I have never used Seasafe, can't say if it's effective, but hey, it can't hurt, right? Sealice is usually a problem in May and early June. They come and go in just a couple weeks time.

I usually carry a small bottle of vinegar..rinse your swimwear out with vinegar, it kills them. If you notice a rash, remove your swimwear immediatlely and rinse, wipe your skin off too.

[heenan]

I used Sea Safe when we went to Belize, and it seemed to work. But we were not in the water a lot because of the "bugs" as the locals called them. Heenan

[beachwolverine]

My wife has used Sea Safe and believes it works - my view is, it won't hurt. She is more sensitive than I am. We snorkel together and she gets a rash, but I don't.

[Claireinco]

Since the larvae are actually closely related to the jelly fish, your best bet is to go ahead and urinate on your suit. Then have someone urinate on you -- or splash yourself with your own urine.

[Claireinco]

I'm sorry guys! I'm so low brow with my pee jokes!

Really though, I've had the much feared 'sea lice'. It's just a rash, typically where your suit touches your skin, and it's very benign...nothing super gross. Just keep your suit rinsed out and shower after you swim and snorkel. It's no big deal. Don't be freaked out or anything if you get it. Women seem to have more trouble with it since our suits typically rub around the ribs and fit closely...fellas just have the waistband contact with their skin.

So yeah, going topless isn't a bad idea! But otherwise just give yourself and your suit a good rinse and you'll be fine.

[miguel]

larvae are actually closely related to the jelly fishNo, they are jellyfish larvae...

[AnyMan]

Thanks Everyone! I don't like itching so I guess I will pick some up an play it safe. Be a shame to have an itchy bottom wreck my happy hour(s)!:beerchug:

[Kenster]

I've been going to Tulum every year for the past nine years. I've been there as early early April or as late as mid July. I've never experienced sea lice or talked to anyone that has.

[boby12]

've been going to Tulum every year for the past nine years. I've been there as early early April or as late as mid July. I've never experienced sea lice or talked to anyone that has.

[lazydog]

I have only experienced "The Attack of Sea Lice" once and it was on Cozumel. On me they attacked where I had my rings, necklace, bracelet and watch, sparkly stuff. I know everyone has a different reaction to buggies, but the sea lice rash went away pretty quick, really quick. Been to Belize twice in the last year, no problems there either.

Don't get me started on sand flies though, I have spent many an hour in pharmacies in the Yucatan trying to find some relief from them. Now I cover my legs in dry sunscreen oil and a very small dash of deet and have no problems.

[minniemex]

Ok, is this something I have missed my entire life? What exactly is "dry oil"? Is it the same as "wet oil" because in my book oil is wet. I did google it and I see that the bottles say "dry oil" but I have no idea what that means.

[lazydog]

I don't really understand either but it does seem a lot dryer than regular oil. Probably alcohol or something added to make it more misty, quick drying and light. Not as greasy....