injuries poisoning
Sea Urchin Stings
Treatment of Sea Urchin Stings
Spine removal Treatment for a sea urchin sting is immediate removal. Vinegar dissolves most superficial spines; soaking the wound in vinegar several times a day or applying a wet vinegar compress may be sufficient. Hot soaks may help relieve pain. Rarely, a small incision must be made to extract the spine; care must be taken because the spine is very fragile. A spine that has migrated into deeper tissues may require surgical removal. Once spines are removed, pain may continue for days; pain beyond 5 to 7 days should trigger suspicion of infection or a retained foreign body. G. pedicellariaestings are treated by washing the area and applying a mentholated balm. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table). 