Allergic Reaction after Save The Bay Swim

I suspected jellyfish, but the nurse I saw there said she thought it was more of a contact issue. At this point, I'm thinking she didn't know what she was talking about. My last jellyfish sting was from a Man-of-War, which was a significantly more intense issue than this so I was willing to listen to her. But, there was that lovely burning sensation and endless itching. At this point, however, I'm thinking it's something more than "contact." There were many, many jellies on the course, as my son was only too happy to point out! But based on where things are on my body and the fact that it spread, for the first two days, it seems much more likely that it was something I swam through. Thankfully, you and I will not be encountering those critters in Lake Champlain. Of course, I don't love the idea of ripping a lamprey off my body, but hey, at least it would be a different variety of predator! I think I'm understanding why my friends and family think I am slightly crazy...

Thankfully, you and I will not be encountering those critters in Lake Champlain. Of course, I don't love the idea of ripping a lamprey off my body, but hey, at least it would be a different variety of predator! I think I'm understanding why my friends and family think I am slightly crazy... i'm always open for a meeting with a new parasite. (if it was easy; smart people would do it too!)

We have Lion's mane jellyfish in RI this time of year. Different people have different levels of reaction. If you went through a bunch of the tentacles you would have felt it it, and if you went through a large group of the critters they would have left long stringy welts and burn quite a bit. Vinegar or ammonia can lessen the effect if applied right away, but the effects wear off in a few days at the latest. All ocean swimmers should get used to jellyfish stings. Try to avoid those men o war though.

I did find that current a bit challenging, but at that point, I have to admit, I was pretty focused in the burning and itching in my suit. Were you wetsuit or no? (I had also done the Blessing of the Fleet run the night before, so my body was feeling all sorts of tired.) I'm lucky enough to swim with my doctor, who saw my "issue" tonight and said it's some kind of contact dermatitis from something I must have encountered. It definitely wasn't a Lion's Mane, although I saw plenty of them. I didn't have welts, and certainly didn't have to pull off tentacles like I did with my man-of-war sting. Ouch! My husband mentioned that there was some kind of barge or something that went past before we started the swim and at one point, I will say I swam through something that smelled rather chemically. Perhaps my reaction is, ultimately, related to the reason we were all there anyway--keeping that water safe for all of us. All that being said, I do love that swim--although perhaps my son loves it even more because of being allowed the free Ben & Jerry's at 9:30 in the morning. The opportunity to swim parallel to that bridge, and the idea of swimmers closing that body of water to all other traffic just feels so significant to me. And the food rocks too!

I saw 3 or 4 lion's mane jellies near the start when I was warming up, but only felt the little guys that squeeze between your fingers after that. I did not wear a wetsuit, and had no reaction afterward. Did you find the current tough to get through at the turn into the cove? Hopper

sydne, i know the jellies are out in forcee in the ny area (early this year) but the h2o isn't any warmer than i remember in the past. after the 5k at huntington bay, most everyone had some jelly stings. i'm happy to say that for me it usually goes away in an hour or so, but some friends had days of discomfort. even when the jellies are not readily identifiable the stingy stuff can be present in the water. i mi9ght try a liberal coat of bag balm pre swim (on the sensative areas). it might offer a added layer of protection against the offending organism.