I just got back from another trip to the DR. We have a house in Boca Chica. The water looked beautiful. But the last couple of years my children have complained about the water making them itch. I have to agree with them...although I would say it stung more than itched. I also saw people coming out of the water scratching so I know it was not in our heads. Needless to say we ended up driving to Juan Dolio just about every day.
- Thread starter jruane44
- Start date
Water in Boca Chica
Ditto
I was in Boca Cica 3 weeks ago and at one point while swimming I thought I'd been hit by a jellyfish although there were none to be found. I also noticed a lot of little clumps of algae floating around. The kind of clumps of algae you'll find around sewage treatment plants.
I have been going there for years and never seen this before. Juan Dolio and Guayacanes are definitely cleaner.
The sting and subsequent itching lasted less than a day and left no discernable marks or swelling.
I was in Boca Cica 3 weeks ago and at one point while swimming I thought I'd been hit by a jellyfish although there were none to be found. I also noticed a lot of little clumps of algae floating around. The kind of clumps of algae you'll find around sewage treatment plants.
I have been going there for years and never seen this before. Juan Dolio and Guayacanes are definitely cleaner.
The sting and subsequent itching lasted less than a day and left no discernable marks or swelling.
I was at Boca Chica last week. While playing with the kids close to shore there was no problem. Then I went snorkeling closer to the reef and ran into the stinging stuff. The tide was low and the usual current seemed to be almost nonexsistant. Water very warm. Sure would be nice to know what the cause is.
dont think visible poop would make you itch- but not nice to see ,
Ocean itch: An intensely itchy rash due to contact with the tiny thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata).
These jellyfish are common between March and August in the waters off of Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. There may be no adult jellyfish around as a warning. The jellyfish larvae look like mere specks of "finely ground pepper" and can evoke the same response.
The reaction tends to start 4-24 hours after exposure to the jellyfish. People who have had previous exposure to seabather's rash may have an immediate stinging sensation. Some people feel like they have the flu with nausea, vomiting , headache, muscle and joint aches, and malaise.
A bathing suit traps the jellyfish larvae with the fabric acting like a net. The best way to prevent stings is clearly to stay out of the water. Anyone who has had a previous episode of seabather's itch is advised to not go in the water. If one goes in the water, one can wear clothes such as a wet suit that provide a protective barrier. Careful washing of swimwear after taking a dip is advisable. Wearing a T-shirt into the water is a poor idea because it increases the risk of a severe reaction. Topical anti-itch creams are only temporarily effective.
Other names for this condition include bather's eruption, sea poisoning, and seabather's itch and the jellyfish are sometimes called sea critters or, incorrectly, sea lice.
Ocean itch: An intensely itchy rash due to contact with the tiny thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata).
These jellyfish are common between March and August in the waters off of Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. There may be no adult jellyfish around as a warning. The jellyfish larvae look like mere specks of "finely ground pepper" and can evoke the same response.
The reaction tends to start 4-24 hours after exposure to the jellyfish. People who have had previous exposure to seabather's rash may have an immediate stinging sensation. Some people feel like they have the flu with nausea, vomiting , headache, muscle and joint aches, and malaise.
A bathing suit traps the jellyfish larvae with the fabric acting like a net. The best way to prevent stings is clearly to stay out of the water. Anyone who has had a previous episode of seabather's itch is advised to not go in the water. If one goes in the water, one can wear clothes such as a wet suit that provide a protective barrier. Careful washing of swimwear after taking a dip is advisable. Wearing a T-shirt into the water is a poor idea because it increases the risk of a severe reaction. Topical anti-itch creams are only temporarily effective.
Other names for this condition include bather's eruption, sea poisoning, and seabather's itch and the jellyfish are sometimes called sea critters or, incorrectly, sea lice.
New to the board....had a blast in Boca Chica!
Hello everyone....First time poster...time to take the plunge.....I've been going to the Dominican Republic for years......right around 13.....this is a great site with a wealth of information......and I truly do appreciate alot of the posts that I have read....and the knowledge that I have gained......I kno I probably sound a little like Eddie Haskel from Leave it to Beaver but it's true I have seen most of the island over the years....and I must admit it has been an incredible experience.....not perfect but GOOD......I just recently returned from Boca Chica and had a blast......I took some pics with music and posted them to YOU TUBE search under boca chica mtb and you will find it......I tryed uploading it here but I can't get it to work.....I typed in the URL but it didn't work.....if anyone wants to post it feel free.....or if someone could explain or correct me what I am doing wrong....that would be great have a great day Again nice to meet everyone Also I was in the water AlOT from May 1 to May 4....and I had no problems with rashes or stinging.....The water was fine...................
Hello everyone....First time poster...time to take the plunge.....I've been going to the Dominican Republic for years......right around 13.....this is a great site with a wealth of information......and I truly do appreciate alot of the posts that I have read....and the knowledge that I have gained......I kno I probably sound a little like Eddie Haskel from Leave it to Beaver but it's true I have seen most of the island over the years....and I must admit it has been an incredible experience.....not perfect but GOOD......I just recently returned from Boca Chica and had a blast......I took some pics with music and posted them to YOU TUBE search under boca chica mtb and you will find it......I tryed uploading it here but I can't get it to work.....I typed in the URL but it didn't work.....if anyone wants to post it feel free.....or if someone could explain or correct me what I am doing wrong....that would be great have a great day Again nice to meet everyone Also I was in the water AlOT from May 1 to May 4....and I had no problems with rashes or stinging.....The water was fine...................
just got back.was out in boca chica for 4 months.same problem with the floating algae and gettin stug by whatever was is them patches for sea glass???