How to Identify Sea Lice Bites

Sea lice bites are a common occurrence for people who spend a lot of time in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Ocean and in the waters off the coast of the Eastern and Western United States. The bites are extremely itchy and may be very painful. Learn to identify sea lice bites so you can treat them quickly.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the location of the bites. When sea lice are trapped or compressed, their stinging cells fire. Their bites may be anywhere on your body but are most typically found beneath your bathing suit and in the crevices of your body, including the armpits and buttocks.

• 2

  Look at the color of the bites. Sea lice bites appear as a bright, red rash with tiny blisters and small areas of raised, red skin.

• 3

  Consider the time the sea lice bites appear. The bites usually appear at least 6 hours after you exit the water. Sometimes it takes even longer for them to show up.

• 4

  Pay attention to how long the bites last. Sea lice bites last from 2 days to 2 weeks. Talk to your doctor if the rash persists longer than 2 weeks. You may have a secondary infection from scratching.