DERMATITIS VENENATA RESULTING FROM CONTACT WITH MARINE ANIMALS (HYDROIDS)

Abstract

THE ABILITY of various marine animals of the Coelenterata phylum to produce toxic reactions on their victims is well established. The sting of the jellyfish may produce a severe local reaction, profound shock or even death.¹Weidman²has described certain dermatoses (zoacanthoses) resulting from the trauma following "introduction and retention of animal structures such as piercing mouth parts and bristles." The Suttons³stated that Metazoa of many kind may "provoke eczematous dermatitis," and in their textbook they mentioned further that the Coelenterates (jellyfish, hydroids and corals) are known to be factors in producing cutaneous irritation. Scanning of the available dermatologic literature failed to disclose any other reports concerning cutaneous reactions following contact with these marine organisms. It is the purpose of this paper, therefore, to call attention to an eruption which has been observed in 52 persons after contact with a hydroid of