What is this rash I have? >.<

[Cuttlecute]

Well, I started changing around the layout of the live rock in my tank to try to make little caves for some critters I am planning on buying and I guess from working too long in the water I got a rash on both my forearms. I was told at the LFS that it wont kill me, but I'm just making sure this isn't something I should freak out about. I started applying some clotrimaderm cream with !% hydrocortisone powder compound on my arms today. I just want to know if everything will be okay or if I should start freaking out. Any ideas on what I contracted from my tank? Thank you

 

[robertifly]

hmmm, you don't say what besides rock is in the tank, anemoe maybe?

 

[redfishsc]

any zoanthids or palys in your tank?

 

[Cuttlecute]

I have some zoas and palys. But I didn't touch any of them, since the colonies are so small, I only touched the live rock itself. But for some reason it isn't even on my hands, just on my forearms.

 

[kraze3]

Your skin on your hands is much rougher/tougher than your forearm. Your froearm skin is very thin and sensitive. Your hands are constantly used. I got a few small red spots once when a mini carpet anemone was sucking at my forearm thinking it was food. It may be nothing but there are some things in our tanks that can harm us, even kill us so we need to be cautious. Many recommend the use of arm length gloves when working in our aquariums.

 

[Cuttlecute]

I haven't had my arms in the tank since last night. If something was going to kill me, it would have done so by now right? I am officially freaked out now

 

[supervdl]

I started getting an allergic reaction with my skin at the fingers. Since then I am using gloves.

 

[cdbias2]

The pores in your skin are much smaller on your hand than on your forearm. Things in your water soak in easier on your forearm.

 

[snorvich]

If there is any progression of symptoms (extension of rash or open sores) you should see a dermatologist. Good luck, but don't be TOO nervous.

 

[barrettrhoades]

IF it happens whenever you put your hands in the water, it could be from the salt like when at the beach...

 

[Cuttlecute]

Okay, I'm going to think positive and just keep up my ointment regiment for the next couple of days. It already feels a lot better. Thank you for your help everyone

 

[iaanr]

I had something similar happen a few weeks ago. It went away after a few days. I think it was an allergic reaction of some sort. It felt like some unknown thing stung me beforehand though.

 

[robot2222]

if it gets worse go to he doctor, er , not dermatolagist pallys and zoa are toxic . go if symtoms get worse.

 

[redfishsc]

If you didn't do anything to aggrivate the zoas/palys, I doubt you have any palytoxin on you. They typically have to be major P/O'ed to release toxin, and even then I don't know if they release it into the water or not.

Probably just scuffed yourself on the aquarium rim and the saltwater is just irritating it.

 

[Creade]

A little Benadryl normally fixes things right up.

Make sure from now on you wash your arms well after playing in the tank.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I'm not sure you should trust the medical advice from your LFS. I also don't think the antifungal/corticosteroid cream is going to help as well as benadryl might. This seems more like an allergic reaction, in which case I'd choose benadryl orally or topical cream. If its an allergy, it could get much worse with subsequent exposures. Not to worry you, because it could also be a one time freak thing.

It's a little tough to help with out pictures, but you might be a good candidate for those long reef keeper's gloves.

If it happens again, I'd definitely see your primary care provider sooner rather than later!!!!