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

• Sting of the Sea Urchin

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

• A sea urchin is small marine creature with a hedgehog-like appearance. These hard-shelled animals have spines all over the body, which can be venomous. They normally inhabit shallow or deep ocean floors (usually rocky beds or coral reefs)
• Sea urchins do not attack humans, but can inflict painful stings with the release of venom, when they are accidently stepped upon or handled (picked up). Individuals wading or walking in shallow sea waters or sea divers are at risk
• Some Sea Urchin Stings may have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. The severity of signs and symptoms depends on the species of sea urchin, 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, 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 Urchin Sting? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any individual exposed to the sea urchin is vulnerable to be stung; young children are generally affected more severely than adults
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• Sea urchin is a marine animal found all over the world (hot and cold regions). Different species are found in different parts of the world

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

The risk factors identified for Sea Urchin Stings include:

• Swimmers, surfers, divers, and beachgoers
• Coral reef divers
• Wading in ocean waters without suitable protective clothing
• Picking up sea urchins with bare hands
• Walking barefoot on the beach or in shallow sea water
• Visiting beaches where sea urchins are common is a potential risk factor
• Handling dead or live sea urchins

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 Urchin Sting? (Etiology)

• Sea Urchin Stings release a poisonous chemical into the human skin which can affect the human body
• The defense mechanism of a sea urchin consist of two types of organs, which include:
  • Spines: These form the first line of defense, are large, thick and can impale the skin causing puncture wounds on contact
  • Pedicellarines: These form the second line of defense, are located in between the spines, and are lower/shorter than the spines. Pedicellarines are fine, thorn-like structures that clasp the skin and inject painful venom when activated
• Depending on the amount of poison injected, the severity of the signs and symptoms is dictated

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sea Urchin Sting?

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

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

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

• Mild cases
  • Puncture wounds
  • Severe pain
  • Tingling sensation, numbness
  • Swelling of the area
  • Rashes on the skin
• Severe symptoms may be systemic and may additionally include:
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Muscular spasms, joint pain and stiffness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unconsciousness

Children may have more signs and symptoms than adults due to lesser body mass.

How is Sea Urchin Sting Diagnosed?

A Sea Urchin 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)

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 Urchin Sting?

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

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

How is Sea Urchin Sting Treated?

The treatment measures for Sea Urchin 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
• Hot wax may be used to remove the smaller spines i.e., the pedicellarines
• Once the spines are removed, the affected area is washed with soap and fresh water
• Application of topical antibiotics
• The wound is left uncovered to heal, which may permit the embedded spines to surface
• Pain relieving medications as required
• 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 emergency medical personnel may even be required to administer first aid to the affected individual at the spot of the incident. 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 Urchin Sting be Prevented?

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

• Do not ignore warnings of lifeguards or health officials at the beach
• 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
• Avoid making an attempt to touch or handle marine animals unnecessarily, even if they are pets
• Do not handle dead urchins, since they can also sting
• When removing stingers from the body, wear suitable protective cover (such as hand gloves)

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

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

• The prognosis of Sea Urchin 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 Urchin Sting:

The spines of the sea urchin can normally penetrate a diver’s wetsuit.