SEA URCHINS Stings
Sea urchins are immobile creatures that attach to the bottom, underwater pilings, rocks, and other objects. Covered with brittle, hard, calcareous spines, sea urchins can produce several injuries.
A few species of urchins have long, hollow spines that contain venom. These can easily break off in the skin. Wounds from these spines produce immediate, burning pain, followed by redness, swelling, and aching. The pain is not greatly out of proportion to that which might be expected from a similar mechanical injury.
Some tropical urchins have delicate pincer-like, seizing organs called pedicellariae. These are scattered among the spines and some are venomous. Pedicellariae wounds produce immediate, severe, radiating pain, which may be followed by numbness, weakness, fainting, and paralysis. Deaths have occurred.
Treatment for SEA URCHINS Stings
Particles of the urchin's spine that are imbedded in the skin but can be easily removed should be. Heat may be applied. Overzealous attempts to remove imbedded spines may cause the spines to disintegrate further, thus aggravating the wound and perhaps increasing the possibility of infection. Pain relieving medications may be necessary, but antibiotics are usually not given unless frank infection develops. Vinegar soaks may help dissolve imbedded spines.
Pedicellariae can break off and remain attached to the skin; they should be removed promptly. Medical care should be sought immediately if systemic symptoms develop after pedicellariae envenomation by pedicellariae.
SEA URCHINS Stings Prevention
Protective gloves, shoes, or flippers should be worn when diving or working in areas inhabited by urchins; the pedicellariae stings of tropical urchins result from handling it carelessly or allowing it to crawl on the skin.
A few species of urchins have long, hollow spines that contain venom. These can easily break off in the skin. Wounds from these spines produce immediate, burning pain, followed by redness, swelling, and aching. The pain is not greatly out of proportion to that which might be expected from a similar mechanical injury.
Some tropical urchins have delicate pincer-like, seizing organs called pedicellariae. These are scattered among the spines and some are venomous. Pedicellariae wounds produce immediate, severe, radiating pain, which may be followed by numbness, weakness, fainting, and paralysis. Deaths have occurred.
Treatment for SEA URCHINS Stings
Particles of the urchin's spine that are imbedded in the skin but can be easily removed should be. Heat may be applied. Overzealous attempts to remove imbedded spines may cause the spines to disintegrate further, thus aggravating the wound and perhaps increasing the possibility of infection. Pain relieving medications may be necessary, but antibiotics are usually not given unless frank infection develops. Vinegar soaks may help dissolve imbedded spines.
Pedicellariae can break off and remain attached to the skin; they should be removed promptly. Medical care should be sought immediately if systemic symptoms develop after pedicellariae envenomation by pedicellariae.
SEA URCHINS Stings Prevention
Protective gloves, shoes, or flippers should be worn when diving or working in areas inhabited by urchins; the pedicellariae stings of tropical urchins result from handling it carelessly or allowing it to crawl on the skin.
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