1. What Is Divelocked Itch? Divelocked itch (DLI) is a colloquial term for an intense, deep-seated, generalized pruritus (itch) that begins during the latter stages of a long decompression obligation or immediately upon surfacing, and which cannot be relieved by scratching . The “divelocked” part refers to the feeling of being trapped underwater or in deco, unable to escape the sensation, and the fact that the itch persists even when you try to scratch it — as if the itch is “locked” beneath the skin.
Monitor: If joint pain, rash, numbness → Call DAN. divelocked itch
| Symptom | Action | |---------|--------| | Itch + joint pain (any) | Call DAN hotline | | Itch + skin mottling | ER + hyperbaric consult | | Itch + numbness or weakness | Neurologic DCS until proven otherwise | | Itch lasting >6 hours | Unlikely DLI; rule out other causes | | Itch returning after diving same day | Possible DCS rebound | The “divelocked” part refers to the feeling of