Am I Allergic To The Caribbean??

That sounds odd, doesn’t it.  Me being Allergic to the Caribbean.  And I’m not referring to that is a benign way!

I actually think I’m allergic to the Caribbean!

I’m not gonna just let this go at being allergic to the Caribbean, I’m gonna have to do some further research. And I’m not referring it to having an intoxicating effect on me.  So, put that thought away.  I’m actually quite serious.

Seriously?



Consider I just don’t talk about my infirmities, I just keep going.  I find what’s wrong and find out how to treat it (naturally if possible), get the medication, heal and move on.  You never know.  I’m just not a complainer at heart, I seek no one’s sympathy, etc.

But this is rather annoying and complexing.

I’ve gone thru numerous possibilities, read of others similar unfortunate experiences and all the misfortunate advice that has accompanied their search for what it is and how to treat it.



I’m not gonna show any photographs of the infirmity……it’s not pretty and there is really no cause for alarm.

For me, I’ve found out how to treat it.  But, I’m so darn curious as to the cause!!  There was one cause mentioned that I’m going to have to take seriously even though it seems far fetched.  I’ll get to that one shortly but first, the infirmity.

Am I Allergic To The Caribbean??

On the top of my hands (mostly my left) and the ‘sides’ of my fingers I have a blistering itching rash!  Before you jump to some ‘Oh my god’ exclamation….it doesn’t spread to any other parts of my body.  Even when the blisters pop and the itching increase (don’t tell me to use Benadryl, I have a negative reaction to it), it doesn’t spread.

Perplexed over this, I keep reading and researching.

Generically in dermatological terms, it’s known as Eczema dermatitis.  Which can be caused by a multitude of things.

That’s really not much help.

So why do I think I’m allergic to the Caribbean?



It happens the following day of me frolicking about in the beautiful water of the Caribbean.  I’m just putting two and two together here.

But, the water is the same water down ways that I don’t recall having any reaction to.

AHA!!!  It must be something in the water specific to Puerto Aventuras.  Well, there’s lots of ‘sargassum’ in the water lately.  That could be it, but reading, that would be really rare.  Then, the magic moment when the culprit is revealed!

Am I Allergic To The Caribbean??

Jellyfish.  Now, I haven’t seen any jellyfish and I’m experienced in the sting of a jellyfish.  But, just because I don’t see them, doesn’t mean that they aren’t the problem.  But, once again……this doesn’t fit into my previous experience of jellyfish stings.

Perhaps a different species of jellyfish and this is my reaction!  Possible.

During this time in the particular area, there’s an abundance of ‘sargassum’ (think seaweed) and the waves of the Caribbean can be pretty mean to jellyfish.  Meaning that the tentacles break off of the jellyfish and can attach themselves via the waves to the sargassum and wash towards shore.  So, I’m out in the water pushing away the sargassum with my hands (usually the hand that isn’t holding a beer, by the way, I do switch hands….I’m a show off) and being that the tentacles are attached to the sargassum I come in contact with my problem.

This has seemed to be the most likely scenario.  At least until my visit to the beach two days ago!

There was no ‘sargassum’!!!  The water was crystal clear!  The depth of view in excess of 6 feet wasn’t a problem…..there was nothing seen floating in the water!  It was just beautiful!  Then yesterday afternoon I noticed I was scRatching the usual place on my hand.  Shortly after the itch, I notice a large blister replacing the former blister!  GADS!  WTF!!

Am I Allergic To The Caribbean??

There is another odd culprit that lies in prey here, which I’ll get to right after.

I’ve found a treatment from reading on dermatology sites and it works. The medication, hydrocortisone.  While it doesn’t abate the itching much, it does clear up the blisters and they diminish in 24 to 36 hours and they’re basically gone.  And so is the itch.

Now!  The other culprit!



It seems that limes can cause this eczema dermatitis when exposed to the sun!

Each time before I head to the beach I cut up limes for my beer.  I probably will cut up 3 limes…..I’m cutting, so I just cut ’em up!

Possibly, the lime juice on my hands is causing the dermatitis!



So, I have these vinyl gloves used in hospital situations that I will use while cutting my next batch of limes.

To be continued……

Peace, love, and beaches,

John

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