Posted by Judie on Tuesday, 16. February 1999 at 12:45 Bali Time:
Just arrived back from 17 days in Bali. Great trip. Quite an experience. We were snorkeling in Amed with several friends. About an hour after one of the gals came out of the water we noticed a read streak about 8 inches long from her knee up the inside of her thigh. The streak was about 1" wide and 8 inches long - kind of in a squiglly line. It continued to get redder throughout the day. She said she thought she remembered something bumping into her as she was trying to get through the surf and rocks and out into deeper water to snorkel. It didn't hurt - just something bumping into her.
By that night the streak was very red and had blistered badly. The blisters were extremely painful and were about 1/2 inch high. Several sleepless nights ahead because of the pain and trying not to break the blisters! The next day we had a Dr. come to the hotel and all he could say was "very serious" but could give no answer or solution. The next night it was a trip to a dermatologist - these doctors don't seem to start work in their clinics until 8:00pm. The dermatologist couldn't tell her what it was other than it was a contact with something - in the ocean - a flower or who knows what. He gave her antibiotics and an antihistamine. When we checked the info on the malaria pills it said not to take the 2 things he gave her along with the malaria pills. So that medication went in the garbage! We had other antibiotics along with us and she took them.
We are all so curious what this bight have been? It has been suggested a Stone Fish. She was not nauseated and no fever.
Anyone have any solutions to the mystery?