The term “sea lice” is used to refer to two very different groups of marine organisms. In the first sense, sea lice are parasites which attack fish, especially salmon. In the second sense, sea lice are actually the larval form of organisms like jellyfish and sea anemones. Both are of interest to humans, for very different reasons.

In terms of parasites, sea lice can be found attacking fish all over the world. Some fish manage to cope just fine with these copepods attached to them, but smaller fish are vulnerable. If a parasitic infestation is severe enough, the sea lice can cause an infection or even kill the host organism. Sea lice are an especially common problem with farmed fish, leading some fish producers to use specialty chemicals in the water to deter sea lice from their fish. Fish which escape from farms can also carry a payload of parasites including sea lice which infects native fish species.

The “sea lice” of interest to swimmers are the larvae of marine animals with stinging cells, also known as nematocysts, which cause problems for humans when they brush up against divers, swimmers, and sea bathers. These tiny organisms can pack a formidable punch, even though they are only babies, and they can generate nasty rashes and welts along with an itching and burning sensation. In regions where these young marine organisms are especially common, periodic sea lice advisories may be posted to warn bathers.

For humans, sea lice are primarily annoying. The rash and welts can be treated with a mild soap and water wash, or a hydrogen peroxide rinse, and follow up monitoring to check for signs of infection. Some people also like to use soothing creams or gels to ease the itching and burning sensation. Most people recover from sea lice stings without additional medical treatment.

The best way to deal with sea lice is to avoid them, which is easier said than done. Sea lice are microscopic, and impossible to detect without a microscope until the characteristic skin rash arises. Public beaches are often monitored for hazards like sea lice so that advisories can be posted, alerting people to the fact that they may want to stay out of the water. In the case of people who have experienced violent reactions to jellyfish stings, staying out of the water altogether in spring and summer, when sea lice tend to peak, may be a good idea.