Sea anemone dermatitis in childhood.

Abstract

Sea anemone dermatitis is rather frequent, in spite of the rare reports of the relevant lite­rature. In adults it is a professional disease in sponge divers, whereas in children it is due to accidental contacts or sometimes to careless plays. The cutaneous lesions are caused by a venom that is introduced in the skin with the thread of nematocysts. The lesions are usually localized and more or less severe. Systemic reactions are usually rare but more fre­quent in children.