Sponges are primitive organisms with a number of defenses. Handling certain sponges with bare hands can result in a dermatitis. Sponges are not eaten because they can be toxic.
Phylum: Porifera, Sponigia
Species that can cause adverse effects:
(1) Tedania anhelans, Tedania ignis
(2) Neofibularia nolitangere, Neofibularia mordens
(3) Microciona prolifera (red moss)
(4) Haliclona viridis
Adverse effects may be due to:
(1) crinitoxins
(2) toxic metabolites (terpenes, polyketides)
(3) silica spicules
Features of sponge dermatitis:
(1) pain
(2) erythema
(3) swelling
(4) pruritis
(5) blistering
(6) desquamation
Silica spicules embedded in the skin can be removed by placing tape over affected skin then removing it.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
