What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Sting of the Sea Anemone

What is Sea Anemone Sting? (Definition/Background Information)

• The sea anemone is a marine creature that normally inhabits the ocean floors. They are found mostly in the tropical waters, but can be found in cold climates too
• They have a hydra-like form with a tree trunk shaped body and tentacles around the mouth; it ranges in size from a few inches to up to 2 m long. Most species stay attached to the surface, while some species can float on waters upside down
• The tentacles have stinging harpoons (nematocysts that inject venom/neurotoxin) that are launched by the creature on the slightest of contact pressure, either in self-defense or to capture food
• The sea anemones are mostly harmless to humans, but some toxins can be potentially life-threatening, causing serious injuries and also death. Contact with humans normally occur during deep sea diving, or sometimes when a sea anemone gets washed ashore
• The Sea Anemone Stings may present mild symptoms in most cases, while others may have severe symptoms. The severity of signs and symptoms depends on the species of sea anemone, the amount of toxin injected, and also on the reaction of the human body to the toxin
• Immediate medical attention has to be sought in case of severe stings. The treatment would involve removal of the spines (often multiple stings), washing the affected area, and use of medications (topical antibiotics and painkillers). The prognosis is generally good with treatment in a majority of cases

Who gets Sea Anemone Sting? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any individual exposed to the sea anemone is vulnerable to be stung
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• Sea anemones are marine creatures found all over the world. Different species are found in different parts of the world

What are the Risk Factors for Sea Anemone Sting? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors identified for Sea Anemone Stings include:

• Deep sea divers
• Coral reef divers
• Keeping them as pets in aquariums
• Picking up sea anemones with bare hands
• Walking barefoot on the beach or in shallow sea water (the risk of a Sea Anemone Sting owing to this factor is generally low)
• Handling dead or live sea anemone species

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sea Anemone Sting? (Etiology)

• Sea Anemone Stings release a poisonous chemical into the human skin through their spine, which can affect the human body
• Depending on the amount of poison injected, the severity of the signs and symptoms is dictated
• Not all sea anemones have poisonous spines and most species are found only in the deep oceans

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sea Anemone Sting?

The severity of signs and symptoms of Sea Anemone Sting depends on the following factors:

• The type or species of sea anemone
• The amount of toxin injected
• The reaction of the human body to the toxin

The signs and symptoms of Sea Anemone Sting may be mild or severe and may include:

• Mild symptoms may last only for a few hours
  • Local cuts and wounds (often on the legs or arms)
  • Hives , rashes on the skin, which turn into blisters and then begin to ooze
  • Severe pain
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the area
• Severe symptoms may be systemic and may additionally include:
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Runny nose
  • Sweating

How is Sea Anemone Sting Diagnosed?

A Sea Anemone Sting is diagnosed through the following tools:

• A physical examination of the affected site by the physician is normally sufficient to diagnose the condition
• In addition, the symptoms exhibited by the individual may be carefully observed
• The individual may be asked to provide an account (history) of the events that occurred (what took place and how)
• Blood tests consisting of complete blood count (CBC) and electrolytes

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sea Anemone Sting?

The complications that may arise from a Sea Anemone Sting may include:

• Anaphylaxis type allergic reaction, which can be fatal sometimes
• Respiratory distress
• Bleeding and skin ulceration can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
• Scarring of skin at affected area

How is Sea Anemone Sting Treated?

The treatment measures for Sea Anemone Sting may include:

• The first line of treatment is often to remove the stingers/spines by gently pulling them out with a pair of tweezers; breaking the spines must be avoided
• Cleaning the affected site with saltwater/seawater; sand may be used to rub the wound and detach stingers
• Once the spines (often multiple) are removed, the affected area is washed with soap and water
• Application of topical antibiotics (hydrocortizone cream)
• The wound is left uncovered to heal, which may permit the embedded spines to surface
• Pain relieving medications as required; vinegar may also be used to reduce pain
• Tetanus vaccination is usually required, if it is not up to date
• In case of severe stings, it could be a medical emergency and prompt attention has to be provided. The treatment measures may include:
  • CPR may be provided as necessary, breathing assistance
  • Stabilizing the blood pressure
  • Pain control medications, steroids
• Proper follow-up care and check-ups may be required, especially to monitor for any signs of infection

Note: It is always important to call the local emergency helpline number (911 in the US) without any delay.

How can Sea Anemone Sting be Prevented?

The following factors may be considered to reduce the incidence of Sea Anemone Stings:

• Do not ignore warnings of lifeguards or health officials at the beach
• Avoid making an attempt to touch or handle marine animals unnecessarily
• Wear protective clothing if you plan to swim or dive in infested areas
• Generally be aware or watchful of the waters you are in (to the extent possible)
• Wear protective footwear while walking on beach sand
• Do not handle dead sea anemones, since they can also sting
• When removing stingers from the body, wear suitable protective cover (such as hand gloves); avoid removing the sting with bare hands
• Avoid rubbing the stung area with bare (unprotected) hands
• Ensure safety precautions while cleaning marine animal aquariums; use gloves, for simply touching an anemone can trigger its harpoon-like stinging device

Note: Currently, there is no anti-venom available for Sea Anemone Stings.

What is the Prognosis of Sea Anemone Sting? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Sea Anemone Sting is generally good with effective treatment, since a majority of the cases are mild
• However, severe stings combined with delayed treatment may be life-threatening or can even result in death

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sea Anemone Sting:

• In rare cases, it has been reported that while swimming, detached tentacles may get swallowed; especially while snorkeling
• Sea anemones are non-aggressive and do not directly attack humans. These creatures are also referred to as ‘stinging polyps’