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Seabather's eruption from the Mediterranean Sea
Stefano Veraldi1, Gianluca Tadini2, Maria Cristina Acri3
1Dermatological Centre in Milan, Milan, Italy.
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|February 6, 2025
Summary
Seabather's eruption (SBE), a jellyfish-induced dermatitis, is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. This study details seven cases of SBE, characterized by itchy rashes under swimwear.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Seabather's eruption (SBE) is an acute dermatitis caused by contact with the jellyfish Linuche unguiculata.
- The condition typically presents as pruritic, erythematous papules under swimwear.
- SBE has not been previously reported in the Mediterranean Sea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical experience and presentation of Seabather's eruption (SBE) cases.
- To document the first occurrence of SBE in the Mediterranean Sea.
- To differentiate SBE from other similar dermatological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of seven patients diagnosed with SBE between 1987 and 2023.
- Clinical examination and patient history to characterize the eruption and exposure.
- Differential diagnosis to exclude conditions like swimmer's itch, folliculitis, and larva migrans.
Main Results:
- Seven cases of SBE were observed in the Mediterranean Sea (4 males, 3 females; age 16-56).
- All patients presented with typical SBE symptoms: pruritic papules under swimwear.
- Other potential diagnoses were successfully excluded, confirming SBE presentation.
- This marks the first reported incidence of SBE in the Mediterranean.
Conclusions:
- Seabather's eruption (SBE) has been identified in the Mediterranean Sea, challenging previous geographical limitations.
- The causative agent may be Linuche unguiculata, potentially introduced from the Atlantic.
- Alternative etiological agents, other than L. unguiculata, are also considered possible causes of SBE in this region.
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