TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Stingers in Mullet bay waters

Nature Foundation posted this warning.
"Late yesterday afternoon and today the Nature Foundation has received calls from beachgoers experiencing stinging sensations in the water. Yesterday the area of Mullet Bay was affected and today Great Bay has experienced the same.
Beachgoers were complaining about a fiberglass-like irritants in the water. Upon investigation, they were found to be a Pteropod called 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂, more widely known as Sea Butterflies.
These marine animals are a type of snail can usually be found in warm tropical waters drifting with the current. Though not dangerous to humans, being in contact with these tiny creatures may feel like small shards of glass puncturing the skin (which may cause small reddish bumps). Not to worry though, as these unique creatures tend to hunt at the surface during the night and migrate in the morning. Seawater temperature has been suggested as an important factor influencing such occurrences in other parts of the world.
Those with more sensitive skin should avoid swimming in the mentioned area for the time being. If you are in the water with Sea Butterflies be sure to thoroughly wash any swimming gear after exiting the water. When dry these shells become sharp and cling to clothes making them harder to remove."

I read the entire article and interestingly enough, I’m thinking we experienced something very similar to this perhaps ten years ago or so. It is a very unpleasant problem and if coupled with any semblance of a sunburn, it can be totaling debilitating. First day or so I tried otc topical solutions but finally gave in and went to the doctor.

The recommendations included carefully washing the effected skin areas with a good skin soap and thoroughly laundering all swimwear I might have worn along with the strong admonition to avoid the ocean for a few days. Back then we stuck to pool swimming only for the balance of our trip since we were never sure if we picked up the problem at Mullet, Simpson or Friars Bay beaches and we didn’t want to take any more chances once it calmed down. The medication that was prescribed helped take the itchy-bunny feeling away and within a few days all was good again.

I had a similar reaction after a resent trip to Mullet. I had a burning bumpy rash along the waist right where the elastic of my swim trunks sets. Lasted about 5 days. Used a steroid cream and it cleared up. Wasn't pleasant.

We've experienced this at Orient over the years. Did not get a rash at all, perhaps something else?

Maybe using a rash was the wrong word to describe mine. Mine was burning itchy bumps where the waist band contacted the skin.

Ok. Returning next month. I do not like this at all (lol) and have never heard of it. We spend so much time in the water. How concerned should we be? Any possibility they will be gone by then? Is this seasonal?

Ok this explains it. Went on a boat ride Friday on the Lambada and felt this tingling on parts of my body. Nothing crazy, but now I know it wasn't just me.

You sure it wasn't the Rum? LOL

This is REALLY freaking me out, as we love to hang out in the water as much as we can. Do they get in your hair? Any idea how long they usually stay around? Never heard of these things and we've been to SXM almost every month of the year.