A Rash?

[neurotech]

I was just adding my first coral - a frag with a colony of green polyps - and after my arm was in the tank for about 10 minutes, I noticed a rash of little raised dots all up and down my arm. Does this happen? Anybody else?

By the way, any advice on polyps or my tank (pictured b4 polyps here is welcome.
http://www.myproducktions.50megs.com/images/54cornertank.jpg

 

[Shamrock317]

I usually get a slight rash where my arm scrapes on the plastic rim of the tank. clears up pretty quick though.

 

[Super Len]

Some people have allergic reactions to various components of seawater and/or organisms found in your tank. I am allergic to Acropora toxins. If I should scrape my arm on an Acropora and open up a wound, I develope a mild chronic rash that lasts for 2-3 months! I now usually use shoulder-length gloves when working in my tank.

 

[monkeyboy]

Button polyps produce a toxin called "palytoxin", apparently their mucus coat is loaded with it. I'm reading this from Borneman's Aquarium Coral's book, he says it's a poison, but not much more, and that if you've been poisoned, you're in trouble (ie, much more than just a rash!). Other than that, I have no idea!

There has been some threads where people have said that they are allergic to shellfish, could you be one of them?

 

[Anonymous]

It happens to me once in a great while - more so in the beginning. But be sure to wash well - the salt drying on you isn't that great for your skin and there is all kinds of nasty stuff in there you can catch. There's a real nasty one that's caused by some bacteria - can't remember what it's called at the moment, but I'm sure someone will. And there are websites with lovely pictures of their hands.

 

[Anonymous]

Found it - Mycobacterium marinum

http://www.edae.gr/marinum.html