A number of microscopic larvae in the ocean can cause a dermatitis in a bathing suit distribution as well as on the lower extremities. In Japan this is called Chinkui dermatitis ("male genital bites").
Mechanisms of skin injury: sharp spines on larvae, contact dermatitis.
Types of larvae:
(1) thimble jellyfish (especially in mid-August)
(2) sea anemones
(3) crabs
(4) shrimp
(5) hermit crabs
The rash may show mild pain and pruritis. It lasts up to 2 weeks.
If the patient has significant symptoms, then topical steroids can be used (0.1% triamcinolone).
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