Sea lice can refer to parasites that attack fish or the larvae of marine animals with stinging cells, causing rashes and bruises for humans. They are primarily annoying and can be treated with mild soap and water wash or soothing creams. Avoidance is the best solution, and public beaches are monitored for warnings.
The term “sea lice” is used to refer to two very different groups of marine organisms. In the first sense, they are parasites that attack fish, especially salmon. In the second sense, they are actually the larval form of organisms such as jellyfish and sea anemones. Both are of interest to man, for very different reasons.
In terms of parasites, sea lice can be found attacking fish all over the world. Some fish cope well with these copepods attached to them, but smaller fish are vulnerable. If a parasitic infestation is severe enough, lice can cause an infection or even kill the host organism. They are an especially common problem with farmed fish, leading some producers to use special chemicals in the water to deter them from their fish. Fish that escape from farms can also carry a payload of parasites that infect native fish species.
The “sea lice” of interest to swimmers are the larvae of marine animals with stinging cells, also known as nematocysts, which cause problems for humans when they brush against divers, swimmers and bathers. These tiny organisms can pack a tremendous punch, even if they’re just babies, and can generate nasty rashes and bruises along with an itchy, burning sensation. In regions where these juvenile marine organisms are particularly common, periodic sea lice notices may be posted to warn beachgoers.
For humans, sea lice are primarily annoying. The rash and bruising can be treated with a mild soap and water wash or a hydrogen peroxide rinse and monitoring afterward for signs of infection. Some people also like to use soothing creams or gels to relieve the itching and burning sensation. Most people recover from stings without further medical attention.
The best way to deal with sea lice is to avoid them, which is easier said than done. They are microscopic and impossible to detect without a microscope until the characteristic rash appears. Public beaches are often monitored for these hazards so notices can be posted, warning people that they may wish to stay out of the water. For people who have experienced violent reactions to jellyfish stings, it may be a good idea to stay out of the water completely in the spring and summer when the presence of these organisms tends to increase.
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