The causative agent, A. diaphanum (formerly A. gelatinosum), is a bryozoan, a class of animals consisting of minute, sessile, filter-feeding animals that live in colonies. A. diaphanum is a gelatinous, smooth, sponge-like colony up to long, growing on rocks and shells from lower shore down to approximately ; superficially, they resemble seaweed. The distribution of this animal is from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. The disease is especially prevalent among trawlermen working in the<unk> <unk> , an important fishing<unk>  in the North Sea. It has also been reported from the Baie de la Seine in France.
Dogger Bank itch
Swimmer's itch
Grocer's itch
Coolie itch
Ground itch
CankerMelts
Smoker's face
Road Rash