We have another kind of algae bloom in the oceans here called the Red Tide. This one is very poisonous, in fact.

We really don't have lots of algae upNorth, as the water is COLD, and always moving, and never stagnant.

I really don't have sensitive skin and I got this as soon as we started going up in June and July. Once the "attack" is over, and I will say it is quite painful, I am clear to go the rest of the summer. It started on my left arm one summer, and spread to both forearms, hands and knees. I met a woman once who told me she lived inland in the woods and had almost an identical thing happen where she lived. That one would be harder to explain, but could be a drug reaction. I don't think mine was medication induced, because when it started I wasn't taking what I take now. shrug...?

I even got it on my ears one June! Oh, that was painful.
No one else in the family up there gets it, only me. Some of the locals get it, esp those who fish. They get it on their hands.

I found some photos of it on Dermis website.