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Just how dangerous is a dip in the ocean these days?
One of the things I look forward to most every summer is going to the beach with my family. Although we don’t live close, we make the drive at least two or three times during the four-month period between May and August to spend a few days.
We break out the boogie boards, relax in the sun, and spend as much time as possible in the surf.
Unfortunately, though, it carries some risks… and I’m not just talking about the undercurrents.
But just like my family, hoards of vacationers still flock to the beach, opting for ocean spray over time in the hotel pool, even though ocean water holds something we all should be concerned about… dangerous bacteria.
A recent study investigated the threat, and what you need to know about how it interacts with your skin so you can be better protected…
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Your skin microbiome
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine set out to determine what effect ocean swimming has on your skin microbiome and whether or not it can leave you more open to infection. Their research was motivated by three things:
- Previous studies which have shown associations between ocean swimming and infections;
- The high prevalence of poor water quality at many beaches, due to wastewater and stormwater runoff;
- And recent research which has demonstrated that changes in the microbiome can leave the host susceptible to infection – gastrointestinal and respiratory illness, ear infections, and those dreaded skin infections we’re seeing in the news more often.
The team used volunteers at a beach who met criteria of no sunscreen use, infrequent exposure to the ocean, no bathing within the last 12 hours, and no antibiotics during the previous six months.
They then took a sample of their pre-ocean skin microbiome by swabbing the participants on the back of the calf before they entered the water. Each person was checked again after their skin air-dried completely following a ten-minute swim, and then again at six and 24 hours post-swim.
And, here’s where it gets worrisome…
Although the participants’ skin microbiomes were slightly different from each other’s before swimming, after time in the ocean they all had similar types of bacteria on their skin, which were completely different from their “before swim” bacterial communities.
And, those bacteria were still detectable up to 24 hours post-swim on their skin, although some participants had acquired more ocean bacteria and/or had them persist for longer.
The worst part was that one type of bacteria that was found on each and every one of the ocean swimmers was the Vibrio species — the flesh-eating bacteria behind necrotizing fasciitis you’ve been hearing so much about in the news this summer.
This genus of bacteria is also behind acute gastroenteritis from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters, and is the causative agent behind cholera.
Related: Beware sand castle invaders that can ruin beach fun
Even worse, the amount of the Vibrio species found on the participants’ skin was also more than 10 times greater than the amount found in the ocean water sample, which according to the researchers means that it has a special affinity for attaching to human skin.
“While many Vibrio are not pathogenic, the fact that we recovered them on the skin after swimming demonstrates that pathogenic Vibrio species could potentially persist on the skin after swimming,” said Marisa Chattman Nielsen, MS, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Irvine, and the lead author on the study.
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Your first line of defense
This study is especially concerning since your skin is your body’s first line of defense, to protect you from infections that could take over.
But, do you have to give up your beach trips altogether in order to protect yourself?
Well, the researchers didn’t come up with any final recommendations on that but the Florida Department of Health in Bay County just recently advised visitors to their beaches to “use caution when entering any open body of water.” They also suggest that “if you have breaks in the skin such as cuts or sores, avoid getting in the water. If you are immunocompromised, wear shoes or foot protection to avoid getting cut by shells or rocks on the beach or in the water.”
And if you experience any signs of infection following a dip in the ocean — or any body of water for that matter — see a doctor immediately. The Florida health department stressed that rapid diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and recovery.
But knowing what we now do about how the well and how long bacteria adheres to your skin after a dip in the ocean, it makes perfect common sense to get in the habit of showering immediately after your day at the beach is over. It may also help to try a probiotic skin cream that can deliver healthy bacteria to your skin following an ocean swim.
For me, I can’t see my family giving up our time in the ocean any time soon. However, if like us you continue to spend time in the surf, it’s important to know your risks and watch for water quality warnings.
Sources:
- Ocean swimming alters skin microbiome, increasing vulnerability to infection — American Society for Microbiology
- Flesh-eating bacteria in Florida: Beaches open but caution urged, officials say — AL.com
By Dr. Adria Schmedthorst
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