Allergic to Sea Hare Ink?

August 13, 2003
From: Martin Masters

We found a sea hare in California on Santa Cruz Island. While showing it to my sons, it released a cloud of purple ink. Since then, I have broken out in a rash resembling poison ivy or poison oak. Is it possible that I am reacting to the ink?
Martin Masters

mastersmw@yahoo.com

Masters, M., 2003 (Aug 13) Allergic to Sea Hare Ink?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/10727

Dear Martin,
It's most unlikely the you are allergic to the ink, but anything's possible. It certainly not a phenomenon that has been reported before. It's possible that some microscopic organism, or even a broken up jelly fish, was in the water and affected you. The bristles of some marine worms, and some sponges, can cause rashes, so the list of possible culprits is quite long. You would be best to check with experts in California, as they would know what local organisms are most likely to blame
Best wishes
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Aug 13). Comment on Allergic to Sea Hare Ink? by Martin Masters. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/10727

Factsheet

Ink glands

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