Sea urchin injuries are common mainly because sea
urchins are also common all over the world. They typically live in shallow, rocky bottoms or hide in sandy crevices.Sea urchins have a globular to flatted body shape covered with spines. Sea urchins are slow, docile organisms, thus sea urchin-related injuries usually occur when a person steps on them in shallow surf (accidental) or picking up urchins, unaware of how to handle the spines (intentional).
Sea urchins have two forms of venomous organs, which serves as their defense mechanisms. The spines, although vary in length and sharpness, cause puncture wounds.The second line of defense, called pedicellaria, is small, organs located in between spines. These pedicellaria inject their venom once they have firmly attached to an object. Of the estimated 600 sea urchin species, there is approximately 80 species that are venomous to humans.
Recognizing Sea Urchin Injuries
Sea urchin injuries are fairly evident as they are slow-moving organisms and they can be easily recognized by their spikes. Some of the most common symptoms of sea urchin injuries are the following:
- Puncture
- Bleeding
- Swelling and redness surrounding the punctured wound
- Severe pain
- Infection
- In severe cases (multiple deep puncture)*:
- Fatigue
- Weakness and tiredness
- Severe muscle spasms or muscle aches
- Faintness
- Paralysis
- Shock
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Respiratory failure, which may lead to death
*if anyone experiences any one of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately
Treating and Managing Sea Urchin Injuries
The following treatment and management for sea urchin injuries do not serve as medical advice or substitute for first aid training. To learn more about how to administer proper treatment for injuries from sea urchins and other marine animals, enroll in First Aid Training. The following are tips in cases of sea urchin injuries.
- For a punctured wound, soak the affected area in water as hot as the casualty can endure. Do this for 30 to 90 minutes or as long as the pain is relieved.
- Using tweezers, remove the large spines in the wound. To remove the pedicellaria, apply shaving cream to the affected area and scrape gently using a razor. Avoid crushing the spines.
- Once the spines and/ or pedicellaria have been removed, thoroughly scrub the wound with water and soap followed by extensive rinsing with fresh water.
- Do not seal the wound as this may promote infection.
- To avoid infections, apply topical antibiotic ointment. But for signs of infection, take antibiotics.
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken to relieve pain.
Preventing Sea Urchin Injuries
In many ways, sea urchin injuries are actually preventable. Some tips include:
- Be aware of their surroundings such as, coral reefs.
- Watch out for spines protruding from the sand, especially in rocky or ironshore coral areas.
- Always wear protective gear (thick wetsuits, gloves and diving boots), especially when one goes diving.
- Do not handle marine life, especially if one is not an expert to avoid sea urchin injuries and other related damages.