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First Aid for Sea Anemone Sting

Article
Allergy
Brain & Nerve
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Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHApr 26, 2019

What is Sea Anemone Sting?

A sea anemone is marine creature that normally inhabits the ocean floors. They have a hydra-like form with tentacles around their mouth. The tentacles have stinging harpoons (that inject venom); it can be launched by the creature on the slightest of contact pressure.

What are the Causes of Sea Anemone Sting?

Most common causes of Sea Anemone Stings include (but are not limited to):

  • Exposure to sea anemone in the deep ocean; generally sea divers and coral reef divers are at risk
  • Keeping them as pets in aquariums
  • Picking up sea anemones with one’s bare hands
  • Walking barefoot on the beach or in shallow sea water
  • Handling sea anemone, either alive or dead

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sea Anemone Sting?

Signs and symptoms of Sea Anemone Stings vary according to the type of species the individual is exposed to and the amount of toxin injected. The symptoms may be mild or severe and could include:

  • Mild cases:
    • 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 include:
    • Breathing difficulties
    • Chest pain
    • Muscle aches
    • Runny nose
    • Sweating

How is First Aid administered for Sea Anemone Sting?

If a Sea Anemone Sting (or sting or bite of a marine creature) is suspected, it is always important to call your local emergency helpline number (or 911 in the US) without any delay, and provide as much information as possible, even if the individual does not have any symptoms.

Until medical help arrives:

  • Move the individual away from the water or incident spot
  • Make a note of the exact time of the incident and notify the emergency medical personnel accordingly
  • Try to remove the stinger (if visible), by gently scraping the site using a hard-edged object (either metal or plastic) or a pair of tweezers
  • Clean the wound using seawater
  • Try to identify or locate the marine animal (only if safely possible) and keep the medical personnel informed
  • DO NOT give anything orally to the individual
  • Unless directed by the physician, DO NOT give any medication

Who should administer First Aid for Sea Anemone Sting?

The individual himself/herself or someone nearby may begin to administer First Aid. Call your local emergency helpline number or 911 immediately as mentioned before.

What is the Prognosis of Sea Anemone Sting?

The prognosis of Sea Anemone Sting is dependent on the potency of the toxin, the severity of reaction, and timely manner in which treatment is administered.

How can Sea Anemone Sting be Prevented?

A few helpful tips to prevent Sea Anemone Sting include:

  • Avoid making an attempt to touch or handle marine animals unnecessarily, even if they are pets
  • Do not ignore warnings of lifeguards or health officials at the beach
  • Wear protective footwear while walking on beach sand
  • Generally be aware or watchful of the waters you are in (to the extent possible)
  • Do not handle dead sea anemones, since they can also sting
  • Ensure safety precautions while cleaning marine animal aquariums

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

Do’s:

  • Call your local emergency helpline number (or 911) for help
  • Remove the victim immediately from the water
  • Wear gloves while removing stingers
  • When in doubt, wash the affected area with seawater and not freshwater
  • If possible, use hot water to repeatedly wash the wound

Don’ts:

  • Do not hesitate to call your emergency help services
  • Do not remove stingers without wearing suitable protective hand gloves
  • Do not medicate the individual, unless advised by a healthcare professional
  • Do not move the affected region of the body too much
  • Do not run or exercise which might increase the circulation of toxin in the body
  • Do not elevate the affected area above the heart level, since this can also increase circulation of the toxin
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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