New Diver Question on treatment of Fire Coral

[betsyk]

Diving is awesome, but now I see why they suggest a wetsuit for protection. I am a new diver who recently went diving in St Thomas & St Marteen on 10/4 & 10/5. I accidently rubbed against some fire coral and now it is inflamed, itchy & red. I have been using hydrocortisone but it doesn't seem to be getting better. Any advise or direction would be appreciated.

I can't wait for my next dive, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

[SueMermaid]

I would go to my doctor if it does not resolve.

[DandyDon]

Howdy!

And welcome to SB - the biggest, the best, the fastest growing, and the friendliest!
I never, ever wear a Shorty suit. If one wants protection, then the entire body is a good idea! But now that you have the hit - try this for a lot of information:
(1) Click the Search Button above;
(2) Then click Advanced Search;
(3) Type in Fire Coral in the subject;
(4) Click Dive Medicin in the forums list;
(5) Start Search;
(6) And read the various threads for anything better. I don't know of anything better. I would use the cream, though - not the ointment!

Completing your Profile with location and seperately - your Dive Info will help in future diving discussions. You can use the Quick Links menu above for this. Sizing a photo for your profile or Avatar can be a challenge; I'm a fumbling amateur, but I get the job done, if you'd like any help?

PM me if I can help you learn your way around; that is - click my username to the upper left, then follow the prompts to send me a "Personal Message."

And if you're going to be in Houston tonight - for the DEMA show or any other reason, you're even invited to a SB Bar-B-Q dinner! Click here: http://scubaboard.com/t73366-swamper...rent-info.html or PM me for assistance in signing up for it. Dee wanted to know sooner, but she can squeeze a few in late. I wouldn't miss this for anything!

don

[OceanGrl]

As a frequent diver in St. Thomas, my bag always has a bottle of white vinegar for just those occasions. Try to soak the area in vinegar (even Gin works too). If it does not improve in 24 hours after that, then get yourself to a doctor.

Diving is awesome, but now I see why they suggest a wetsuit for protection. I am a new diver who recently went diving in St Thomas & St Marteen on 10/4 & 10/5. I accidently rubbed against some fire coral and now it is inflamed, itchy & red. I have been using hydrocortisone but it doesn't seem to be getting better. Any advise or direction would be appreciated.

I can't wait for my next dive, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

[Matt the Aquaman]

Hi there betsyk,
Welcome to Scuba Board - the greatest online place, the fastest growing, and the nicest! You can meet a lot of helpful people here and it’s an awesome place to get answers about scuba diving. Here's the link to dive medicine. Maybe the have an answer to your question. http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdispl...daysprune=&f=4 If you ever want to chat feel free to PM me. Take care and safe diving from Matt.

Click here to greet a new member! :happywave
No experience needed and it feels great!

[baitedstorm]

Heya and welcome to the Board..... I feel for you, that stuff is just pure icky. Judging by the date you had this happen, you really need to see a doctor if your still having a problem with it. You made just be more sensitive than others (like me) or maybe something else. I wish you the best (don't scratch ) let us know what happens...

Cheers,
Vickie

[SubMariner]

Moved from the Introductions & Greets forum.

[fgriffith]

As a frequent diver in St. Thomas, my bag always has a bottle of white vinegar for just those occasions. Try to soak the area in vinegar (even Gin works too). If it does not improve in 24 hours after that, then get yourself to a doctor.

And if the Gin doesn't work on the affected area, try it internally.

[Crowell]

And if the Gin doesn't work on the affected area, try it internally.

I'll second that advice.

[pharmguy]

Consensus appears to suggest gin and a doctor. I would reinforce the doctor issue - it could be a soft tissue infection (I got such an infection from a similar incident) and you may require a prescription. And you probably can't go wrong with a little gin inside you to get rid of the itchy feeling.

Cheers...