Queensland Health statement
Public Health Services28 November, 2000
Lyngbya First Aid Treatment
What is Lyngbya?
Lyngbya, also known more commonly as mermaid’s hair, is a marine
cyanobacteria (blue green algae). It has the potential to form dense blooms
that can present a hazard to human health. In recent years, the extent of coastal
areas affected by blooms of Lyngbya in waters off Fraser Island and in
Moreton Bay has been reported to be increasing.
If you are unsure whether Lyngbya is affecting coastal foreshores in
your area, further information may be obtained from Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Service on 3821 9000.
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| Lyngbya from the sea floor. Picture courtesy of the Marine Botany Group, University of Queensland. |
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Health effects caused by Lyngbya
Lyngbya is a contact irritant that can produce skin and eye irritation
following direct contact. In severe cases, affected skin may blister and peel
off. Lyngbya has the potential to irritate any part of the body with
which it comes into contact. Thus, inhalation or ingestion of Lyngbya
also may cause irritation to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts respectively.
The severity of irritation will depend usually on the level of exposure.
People who have come into contact with Lyngbya may complain of a stinging,
burning or itching sensation within minutes to hours after being exposed. Affected
areas may appear red and swollen, and small blisters may form. Reddening and
swelling of the conjunctiva of the eye and the mucous membrane of the nose may
also occur if those parts of the body have direct contact with Lyngbya.
In view of its potential to cause severe irritation, people should avoid areas
affected by Lyngbya if at all possible.
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First aid treatment
The main aim of first aid treatment is to wash areas of the body that have come
into contact with Lyngbya as soon as possible after exposure has occurred
in order to remove any residual material.
Where skin contact has occurred, it is recommended that the area be washed with
water and soap. If Lyngbya could be trapped in clothing (eg. swimming
costumes), the person should remove their clothing and wash the affected areas.
If there is evidence that the eyes may be irritated, the person should be encouraged to flush their eyes with clean water.
If irritation persists, symptomatic relief with cool compresses is advisable.
Medical attention should be sought if the eyes are affected or the extent and
severity of irritation is causing concern. If a person complains of respiratory
discomfort after swimming in affected water or breathing in dried algal matter,
they should also be advised to seek medical attention. This is particularly
important if the person has a pre-existing lung disease such as asthma.
Last updated: 28 November 2003
