Difference between revisions of "Treat a Sea Urchin Sting"
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| − | + | Whether you accidentally step on a sea urchin or if you handle one carelessly, you can get stung. Sea urchins are venomous, so prompt and proper care is important. In the event of a sea urchin sting, stay calm and follow protocol to avoid serious infection. | |
| − | [[Category:Stings Bites and Burns]] | + | [[Category: Stings Bites and Burns]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Removing the Spines=== | ===Removing the Spines=== | ||
#Recognize a sea urchin sting. In order to treat a sea urchin sting, you must be certain you were stung by an urchin and not another marine animal. | #Recognize a sea urchin sting. In order to treat a sea urchin sting, you must be certain you were stung by an urchin and not another marine animal. | ||
| − | #*Sea urchins have flat or globe shaped bodies and are covered in spines. They are found in oceans worldwide, but are more likely to be present in warmer regions.<ref>http://a-z-animals.com/animals/sea-urchin/</ref> | + | #*Sea urchins have flat or globe shaped bodies and are covered in spines. They are found in oceans worldwide, but are more likely to be present in warmer regions.<ref name="rf19479">http://a-z-animals.com/animals/sea-urchin/</ref> |
| − | #*Sea urchins lurk in rocky parts of the water and will sting if threatened. Most people get stung when they accidentally step on an urchin.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/article_em.htm</ref> | + | #*Sea urchins lurk in rocky parts of the water and will sting if threatened. Most people get stung when they accidentally step on an urchin.<ref name="rf19480">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/article_em.htm</ref> |
| − | #*You can successfully manage most stings on your own. However, if you have difficulty breathing, nausea, chest pain, or signs of infection like redness and pus you should seek care immediately.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/page4_em.htm#when_to_seek_medical_care</ref> | + | #*You can successfully manage most stings on your own. However, if you have difficulty breathing, nausea, chest pain, or signs of infection like redness and pus you should seek care immediately.<ref name="rf19481">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/page4_em.htm#when_to_seek_medical_care</ref> |
| − | #*You should also seek medical care if you were stung around a joint, as the spines may require surgical removal in such cases.<ref | + | #*You should also seek medical care if you were stung around a joint, as the spines may require surgical removal in such cases.<ref name="rf19481" /> |
| − | #Know what parts are poisonous. Sea urchins are flat, globe-shaped animals. While generally non-aggressive, urchins will sting if stepped on unintentionally.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/article_em.htm#sea_urchin_puncture_overview</ref> Certain parts of a sea urchins body release poison. | + | #Know what parts are poisonous. Sea urchins are flat, globe-shaped animals. While generally non-aggressive, urchins will sting if stepped on unintentionally.<ref name="rf19482">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/article_em.htm#sea_urchin_puncture_overview</ref> Certain parts of a sea urchins body release poison. |
#*Sea urchins release venom through their spines and pedicellaria. | #*Sea urchins release venom through their spines and pedicellaria. | ||
| − | #*Spines produce puncture wounds and can stay in skin. They should be removed immediately in the event of an attack.<ref | + | #*Spines produce puncture wounds and can stay in skin. They should be removed immediately in the event of an attack.<ref name="rf19482" /> |
| − | #*The pedicellaria are seizing organs found between the spine that latch onto a target when an urchin is attacked. They should also be removed quickly after being stung.<ref | + | #*The pedicellaria are seizing organs found between the spine that latch onto a target when an urchin is attacked. They should also be removed quickly after being stung.<ref name="rf19482" /> |
#Remove the spines. After being stung, remove the spines as quickly as possible to minimize your exposure to venom. | #Remove the spines. After being stung, remove the spines as quickly as possible to minimize your exposure to venom. | ||
| − | #*Use tweezers to pull out the protruding ends of large spines. Move slowly so that the spines does not break off, as medical treatment will be needed if this occurs.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/page3_em.htm#sea_urchin_puncture_treatment</ref> | + | #*Use tweezers to pull out the protruding ends of large spines. Move slowly so that the spines does not break off, as medical treatment will be needed if this occurs.<ref name="rf19483">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/page3_em.htm#sea_urchin_puncture_treatment</ref> |
#*Hot wax can also be used to remove spines, if they are particularly deep and cannot be removed with a razor. Apply hot wax to the area, let dry, and remove. The spines should be pulled out with the wax. | #*Hot wax can also be used to remove spines, if they are particularly deep and cannot be removed with a razor. Apply hot wax to the area, let dry, and remove. The spines should be pulled out with the wax. | ||
#*Longterm medical problems can occur if spines are not removed properly. If you're not sure you got all the spines out yourself, see a doctor. | #*Longterm medical problems can occur if spines are not removed properly. If you're not sure you got all the spines out yourself, see a doctor. | ||
#Remove the pedicellaria. The pedicellaria must also be removed after an attack to stop exposure to venom. | #Remove the pedicellaria. The pedicellaria must also be removed after an attack to stop exposure to venom. | ||
| − | #*The pedicellaria can be removed by applying shaving cream to the infected area and then scraping it off with a razor.<ref | + | #*The pedicellaria can be removed by applying shaving cream to the infected area and then scraping it off with a razor.<ref name="rf19483" /> |
#*Be gentle with how you handle the razor as not to cause further distress to the wound. | #*Be gentle with how you handle the razor as not to cause further distress to the wound. | ||
===Washing the Infected Area=== | ===Washing the Infected Area=== | ||
#Clean the wound with soap and water. As soon as you have removed the spines and pedicellariae, you need to clean and flush the wound. | #Clean the wound with soap and water. As soon as you have removed the spines and pedicellariae, you need to clean and flush the wound. | ||
| − | #*This will be uncomfortable as your wound is still sore and will sting to the touch. Be prepared to work through the pain or have someone assist you if you're worried about not being able to tolerate the discomfort.<ref>http://getswellsoon.com/2012/03/09/sea-urchin-sting/</ref> | + | #*This will be uncomfortable as your wound is still sore and will sting to the touch. Be prepared to work through the pain or have someone assist you if you're worried about not being able to tolerate the discomfort.<ref name="rf19484">http://getswellsoon.com/2012/03/09/sea-urchin-sting/</ref> |
| − | #*You can also use hydrogen peroxide or betadine solutions instead of soap.<ref | + | #*You can also use hydrogen peroxide or betadine solutions instead of soap.<ref name="rf19484" /> |
| − | #*Rinse the area thoroughly with clean drinking water after washing.<ref | + | #*Rinse the area thoroughly with clean drinking water after washing.<ref name="rf19484" /> |
| − | #Do not close the wound. Bandages and tape should not be used to seal the wound. Any embedded spines not removed with tweezers need to work their way out of the skin to avoid bacterial infections and effects of the urchin's venom.<ref | + | #Do not close the wound. Bandages and tape should not be used to seal the wound. Any embedded spines not removed with tweezers need to work their way out of the skin to avoid bacterial infections and effects of the urchin's venom.<ref name="rf19483" /> |
#Bathe the wound. To treat the pain and minimize chances of infection, some people bathe their wound after the initial cleaning. | #Bathe the wound. To treat the pain and minimize chances of infection, some people bathe their wound after the initial cleaning. | ||
| − | #*You can submerge the wound in hot water. The water should be hot to the touch but not boiling. Keep the wound in the water for at least an hour or as long as you can tolerate the heat. This will help ease the pain and dissolve any remaining spines. You can add Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate compound to the water to aid in this process.<ref | + | #*You can submerge the wound in hot water. The water should be hot to the touch but not boiling. Keep the wound in the water for at least an hour or as long as you can tolerate the heat. This will help ease the pain and dissolve any remaining spines. You can add Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate compound to the water to aid in this process.<ref name="rf19483" /> |
#*Some people try a hot vinegar bath. Mix a small amount of vinegar in a tub of hot water and soak for 20 to 40 minutes. You can also add Epsom salt to the water, as this will help the remaining spines dissolve. | #*Some people try a hot vinegar bath. Mix a small amount of vinegar in a tub of hot water and soak for 20 to 40 minutes. You can also add Epsom salt to the water, as this will help the remaining spines dissolve. | ||
=== Treating the Wound and Pain === | === Treating the Wound and Pain === | ||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
#*Keep the dressing loose, however. Remember, you don't want to close up the wound completely as the remaining spines need to work their way out. | #*Keep the dressing loose, however. Remember, you don't want to close up the wound completely as the remaining spines need to work their way out. | ||
#Take antibiotics and painkillers. To ward off infection and treat any lingering pain, over-the-counter antibiotics and painkillers should be taken as instructed. | #Take antibiotics and painkillers. To ward off infection and treat any lingering pain, over-the-counter antibiotics and painkillers should be taken as instructed. | ||
| − | #*Topical antibiotic ointment, available at most drug stores and supermarkets, should be applied on the wound. While this should be done in any case as a precaution, it's especially important if you notice redness or swelling.<ref | + | #*Topical antibiotic ointment, available at most drug stores and supermarkets, should be applied on the wound. While this should be done in any case as a precaution, it's especially important if you notice redness or swelling.<ref name="rf19483" /> |
| − | #*Tylenol and ibuprofen are good choices to manage the pain. You should take the recommended dose every 4 to 8 hours until symptoms lessen.<ref | + | #*Tylenol and ibuprofen are good choices to manage the pain. You should take the recommended dose every 4 to 8 hours until symptoms lessen.<ref name="rf19483" /> |
#Watch for signs of infection. While sea urchin wounds usually heal well if treated properly, urchins are venomous. Know the signs of infection. | #Watch for signs of infection. While sea urchin wounds usually heal well if treated properly, urchins are venomous. Know the signs of infection. | ||
| − | #*Signs of infection include redness, pus, swelling of the affected area or of the lymph glands that drain the affected area (neck, underarms, or groin), or heat.<ref | + | #*Signs of infection include redness, pus, swelling of the affected area or of the lymph glands that drain the affected area (neck, underarms, or groin), or heat.<ref name="rf19483" /> |
#*Seek medical care if signs of infection do not clear up within a few days. | #*Seek medical care if signs of infection do not clear up within a few days. | ||
| − | #*If you develop any breathing problems or chest pain, the infection may be severe and you should go to your nearest emergency room.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/page4_em.htm</ref> | + | #*If you develop any breathing problems or chest pain, the infection may be severe and you should go to your nearest emergency room.<ref name="rf19485">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_sea_urchin_puncture/page4_em.htm</ref> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
*If a spine entered near a joint, you may require surgical removal. Consult a doctor rather than attempting to handle the situation on your own. | *If a spine entered near a joint, you may require surgical removal. Consult a doctor rather than attempting to handle the situation on your own. | ||
| − | *Seek immediate medical attention if you have multiple puncture wounds, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, or difficulty moving your arms or legs. Also, get immediate help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction: breathing problems, chest pain, hives, redness of the skin, or swelling of the lips or tongue.<ref | + | *Seek immediate medical attention if you have multiple puncture wounds, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, or difficulty moving your arms or legs. Also, get immediate help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction: breathing problems, chest pain, hives, redness of the skin, or swelling of the lips or tongue.<ref name="rf19480" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
