Skin and soft tissue infections and envenomations acquired at the beach.

Millions of people spend vacation and leisure time on the shores of the lakes and oceans of North America. Many others are employed in water-related industries. In doing so, they potentially expose themselves to infections and envenomations that other people do not even consider when making their plans for leisure time activities or in going to work each day. This article reviews some common and uncommon beach-related infections and envenomations that can affect the skin and soft tissues of people frequenting the shores and beaches of North America. Physicians are thereby provided with a guide to such skin and soft tissue injuries and infections and will be better able to recognize and treat these maladies associated with recreational and occupational activities.