fire coral

[lois.devlin]

Last year in July I took a trip to Aruba and did some diving. Unfortunatly I got a nasty sting/ cut from some fire coral as I was decending. I had quite a bad reaction to it at the time but just carried on taking anti histamine tablets untill I arrived back home to England as I thought it would heal in due time. However it did not get any better so I took a trip to my GP who gave me some steroid cream which also did not work fully... he said that it would go away eventually. However now 10 months down the line I'm still in the same situation... it is on my right thigh and is quite lumpy partially scared and exreamly itchy especially after physical activity or after being in the shower or any hot place. I have been to see another doctor who has perscribed yet more steroid cream which I doubt will work... I'm looking for some advice hear as I dont realy know what to do as doctors in the uk dont seem to have a clue. I've read on one forum to try vinager but I dont know if its too late for this as it is a reoccuring problem. Would these symptoms suggest that something may be still attatched in my skin and if so what shoukd I do?? I welcome any advice HELP!

 

[Mustang29]

I would suggest that you ask this in the diving medicine section.

 

[Danielle's_Dives]

go to my dive blog below, look in the coral section I have a writeup that tells you what to do. For the most part, running under hot water for 10 minutes or so. I have heard alcohol will neuatralize it as well
Remove any remaining tentacles with a gloved hand or a hand wrapped in a towel. You may also use tweezers to remove the stinging cells.

2

Wash the area with copious amounts of sea water to remove and deactivate the stinging cells.

3

Pour vinegar on the wound to prevent the release of additional venom.

4

Immobilize the body part to slow the spread of the venom. Apply a bandage directly over the wound and an additional bandage above and below the wound ensuring full coverage of skin.

5

If there is swelling at the site, place a cold compress or an ice pack on the area for 15 minutes on 15 minutes off.

6

If the person has shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, or collapses, activate EMS without delay.

 

[Bratface]

Years ago I had a piece of coral do the same to me. I used water as warm as I could tolerate but it still persisted. I ended up cutting it out. While I don't recommend doing this yourself, I am a medical professional and did it using sterile technique. Like others have said, consult a dive medicine specialist like DAN. They can help you find a doctor who is knowledgable with these types of injuries.