As noted, children with seabather's eruption tend to exhibit febrile reactions more frequently than adults, probably because of their immune response. Parents should be observant and treat the symptoms. An additional recommendation for children is to clip their fingernails short, to avoid scratching of lesions. Good personal hygiene, especially in the perineal area, will help patients of any age to avoid secondary bacterial infections. Should a secondary infection occur, as evidenced by purulent lesions that are not resolving, follow-up care with a dermatologist is recommended.
Any rash needs a thorough evaluation to rule out possible communicable causes.
The key to the diagnosis of seabather's eruption is a history of ocean exposure followed by the development of a dermatitis within 24 hours of exposure. Multiple persons within one household are typically affected. Persons with the rash of seabather's eruption are not considered contagious. There have been many days when no infestations have occurred. Beach goers need to listen to local beach reports and observe daily posted beach messages in affected areas.