Starfish Sting

Starfish Sting

Article
Brain & Nerve
Healthy Lungs
+3
Contributed byLester Fahrner, MD+1 moreAug 16, 2022

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

  • Sea Star Sting
  • Sting of the Sea Star
  • Sting of the Starfish

What is Starfish Sting? (Definition/Background Information)

  • A starfish is a marine creature that normally inhabits the deep ocean floors. Some species are venomous to human beings, such as the ‘crown of thorns’ and the sun star starfish
  • Starfish can range in size from a few inches to a few feet in diameter. Contact with humans occurs only during deep sea diving, or sometimes when a starfish gets washed ashore
  • Starfish do not attack humans, but can inflict painful stings with the release of venom, when they are accidently stepped upon or handled (picked up). It is mainly the deep sea divers who are at risk.
  • Some Starfish Stings may have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. The severity of signs and symptoms depends on the species of starfish, 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 Starfish Sting? (Age and Sex Distribution)

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

What are the Risk Factors for Starfish Sting? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors identified for Starfish Stings include:

  • Deep sea divers
  • Coral reef divers
  • Picking up starfish with bare hands
  • Walking barefoot on the beach or in shallow sea water (the risk of Starfish Sting owing to this factor is generally low)
  • Handling dead or live starfish species

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's 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 Starfish Sting? (Etiology)

  • Starfish 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 starfish have poisonous spines, and generally, the most dangerous starfish are found only in the deep oceans

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Starfish Sting?

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

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

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

  • Mild symptoms may last only for a few hours
    • Puncture wounds with severe bleeding
    • Severe pain
    • Itching
    • Swelling of the area
    • Rashes on the skin
    • Tingling and numbness
  • Severe symptoms may be systemic and may additionally include:
    • Breathing difficulties
    • Cough
    • Weakness
    • Muscular spasms, joint pain and stiffness
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Unconsciousness

How is Starfish Sting Diagnosed?

A Starfish 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 Starfish Sting?

The complications that may arise from a Starfish Sting may include:

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

How is Starfish Sting Treated?

The treatment measures for Starfish 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
  • 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 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 Starfish Sting be Prevented?

The following factors may be considered to reduce the incidence of Starfish 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
  • Do not handle dead starfish, since they can also cause an accidental sting
  • When removing stingers from the body, wear suitable protective cover (such as hand gloves)

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

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

  • The prognosis of Starfish 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 Starfish Sting:

The spines of some starfish species can normally penetrate a diver’s wetsuit.

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Lester Fahrner, MD picture
Reviewed by

Lester Fahrner, MD

Chief Medical Officer, DoveMed Team

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