Why does the skin itch after going into the sea?

Sep 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
In general, skin itching after swimming in the sea may be caused by factors such as allergic dermatitis, eczema, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, or urticaria. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. If an individual is allergic to seafood, exposure to allergens while swimming in the sea may trigger allergic dermatitis, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching of the skin.

Generally, itchy skin after swimming in the sea may be caused by allergic dermatitis, eczema, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, urticaria, or other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Allergic Dermatitis

When swimming in the sea, individuals may come into contact with allergens, triggering allergic dermatitis and causing symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching of the skin. Patients can take antihistamine medications such as loratadine tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets orally as directed by a physician, and should also avoid exposure to known allergens.

2. Eczema

Prolonged exposure to damp environments or frequent wearing of tight clothing may trigger eczema. When swimming in the sea, contact with allergens could lead to the above-mentioned skin symptoms. Patients may use calamine lotion or mometasone furoate cream topically as prescribed to relieve discomfort.

3. Contact Dermatitis

If a patient is allergic to seafood, exposure to allergens while swimming in the sea may cause contact dermatitis, resulting in skin rashes and itching. As directed by a doctor, topical treatments such as urea cream or halometasone cream can be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Folliculitis

If a patient already has folliculitis, exposure to allergens during sea swimming may worsen the condition, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Patients should use topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid sodium ointment as prescribed to control infection.

5. Urticaria

Contact with allergens while swimming in the sea may trigger urticaria, potentially causing skin redness, swelling, and itching. Patients can take medications such as acrivastine capsules or ebastine tablets orally under medical supervision to relieve symptoms.

In addition, papules may also cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to visit a hospital for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on individual circumstances.