Ouch!


Watch where you put your hands, knees, and feet while strolling along the beach, snorkeling, or diving in the world’s oceans. There’s plenty of stinging, pointy sharp and abrasive stuff out there to make you say “Ouch” . . . and probably worse.

Jellyfish

Three species can be deadly for sure: Portuguese Man-of-War, Box jelly, and Chinese jellyfish. The severity of your reaction to these stings depends on the amount and strength of the toxin released into your system. Young children and those with an impaired immune system are particularly at risk. It’s important to begin first aid immediately by removing the remaining tentacles, then rinsing the affected area with vinegar or applying a paste of water and baking soda or water and meat tenderizer to neutralize the stinging nematocysts. You can also shave the affected area with shaving cream and a safety razor to remove clinging tentacles. Keep the person calm and give them an oral analgesic to reduce pain. Swelling of the area can be treated with antihistamines and ice packs. Lycra dive suits and wetsuits will protect you from stinging tentacles and are recommended as a good preventative measure against injuries as well as thermal protection for your whole body.

Sea Urchins

These prickly black or white critters are off-limits to just about everything. Injuries usually occur by accidental contact—putting a hand or foot down without looking only to discover the pointed spines sticking out of you. Punctures that occur while at depth shouldn’t be ignored. Initially only minor discomfort is experienced and a diver may think it’s OK to continue the dive. Not so. Within 30 minutes the pain increases and can last for hours. Remnants of the broken spines that contain venom can remain embedded in the skin causing swelling and redness. Remove the spines if possible, they may be brittle and break off in the wound. Treat the pain and keep the patient quiet and calm. Rinse the affected area with ammonia or just clean fresh water. The punctures will likely become infected and need to be treated with oral antibiotics right away. Immerse the wound in hot water for at least 30 minutes. Some injuries result in delayed skin reactions and joint swelling weeks after the injury. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid lingering reactions.

Stingrays, Scorpionfish, Lionfish

Such fun to look at and photograph, but don’t touch! The venom from any of these sea creatures is nothing to ignore.

The copyright of the article Ouch! in Scuba Diving is owned by Linda Gettmann. Permission to republish Ouch! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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