Lymantria

Sea Cucumber Irritation

Article
Eye & Vision
Skin Care
+1
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHMar 21, 2018

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

  • Sea Cucumber Injury
  • Sea Cucumber Poisoning

What is Sea Cucumber Irritation? (Definition/Background Information)

  • A sea cucumber is a sea floor dwelling, non-aggressive marine animal. It has an elongated cylindrical body, which ranges from a few centimeters to a few meters in length. It resembles the vegetable ‘cucumber’
  • It is found at great depths, but some are seen in shallow waters too. Sea Cucumbers generally inhabit the tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. Only some species are toxic to human beings
  • They defend by expelling sticky threads/tubules with a release of toxic chemicals; some eject parts of their internal organs through their anus as a defensive mechanism (which then regenerate)
  • Contact with humans occurs only during deep sea diving, or sometimes when a sea cucumber gets washed ashore and is intentionally picked up. Sea Cucumber Irritation occurs on contact with the toxic threads, excreta, outer skin, or ejected innards
  • Sea water can help dilute the toxin to some extent, but on land, it may not get diluted and can be potent enough to cause signs and symptoms, such as eye irritation and painful skin rashes
  • Some Sea Cucumber Irritation may have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. The severity of signs and symptoms depends on the species of Sea Cucumber, the amount of toxin contacted, 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 rinsing the affected area (eye) with water and use of medications. The prognosis is generally good with treatment in a majority of cases

Who gets Sea Cucumber Irritation? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Any individual exposed to the sea cucumber is susceptible to its toxicity
  • Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
  • Sea cucumbers 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 Cucumber Irritation? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors identified for Sea Cucumber Irritation include:

  • Deep sea divers; divers without a mask have a higher risk of eye irritation
  • Picking up sea cucumber with bare hands
  • Walking barefoot on the beach or in shallow sea water

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 Cucumber Irritation? (Etiology)

  • The sea cucumber can release a toxic chemical that can affect the skin on contact
  • Depending on the amount of chemical in contact with the skin (or eye), the severity of the signs and symptoms is dictated

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sea Cucumber Irritation?

The severity of signs and symptoms of Sea Cucumber Irritation depends on the following factors:

  • The type or species of sea cucumber
  • The amount of toxin absorbed by the body
  • The reaction of the human body to the toxin

The signs and symptoms of Sea Cucumber Irritation may be mild or severe and may include:

  • Skin symptoms:
    • Rashes on the skin, red-color skin
    • Itching
    • Swelling of the area
    • Pain
  • Eye-related symptoms:
    • Severe eye irritation
    • Conjunctivitis

How is Sea Cucumber Irritation Diagnosed?

A Sea Cucumber Irritation 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)

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 Cucumber Irritation?

The complications that may arise from a Sea Cucumber Irritation may include:

  • Anaphylaxis type allergic reaction, which can be fatal sometimes
  • Bleeding and skin ulceration can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
  • Scarring of skin at affected area
  • In severe cases, blindness (if left untreated)

How is Sea Cucumber Irritation Treated?

The treatment measures for Sea Cucumber Irritation may include:

  • Using seawater to dilute the toxin, as freshwater can increase pain
  • The eyes have to be rinsed immediately with copious amounts of fresh water or saline solution
  • The affected skin area can be then washed with soap and fresh water
  • Immediate pain control may be through the use of hot water or vinegar
  • Application of topical antibiotics
  • The wound is left uncovered to heal
  • Pain relieving medications as required
  • Tetanus vaccination may be required, if it is not up to date
  • In case of severe condition, 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 
  • Proper follow-up care and check-ups may be required, especially to monitor for any signs of infection

Note: Currently, there is no anti-venom available for Sea Cucumber Irritations.

How can Sea Cucumber Irritation be Prevented?

The following factors may be considered to reduce the incidence of Sea Cucumber Irritation or Injury:

  • 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; divers should wear face masks to prevent eye injury from the toxins
  • 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 cucumbers

What is the Prognosis of Sea Cucumber Irritation? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis of Sea Cucumber Irritation is generally good with effective treatment, since a majority of the cases are mild
  • However, severe cases combined with delayed treatment may be life-threatening (especially if the health status of the affected individual is weak)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sea Cucumber Irritation:

  • The sea cucumber is a delicacy in some regions of the world, but undercooked ones can be poisonous and even lead to death
  • Sea cucumbers are non-aggressive and do not directly attack humans
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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