Adventure Doc
keeping you healthy for life's adventures
Erik McLaughlin MD, MPH
Affiliates
MARINE LIFE
Hunter S. Thompson, the journalist, once said “When you enter the ocean, you become part of the food chain, and not always on top!” The ocean is a playground for many but it has some dangerous creatures. Here is some information to make your sea-going adventures a bit safer.
FIRST AID KIT
JellyFish
Most jellyfish will not kill you, just burn a lot. Believe me, I know. The jellyfish you run into, most everywhere in the world will just leave a very painful skin irritation. To treat this, apply acetic acid (vinegar) in large amounts for at least 30 minutes. This deactivates the nematocysts (little stingers). Some other options include rubbing alcohol, high proof liquor or even some aftershaves. These are only to be used if you have no vinegar. Packets of Meat tenderizer also work well, and should be sprinkled directly on the red area. Baking soda even works in a pinch. Corticosteroids, orally, can soothe severe pains and allergic reactions. Once the pain has settled down, apply shaving cream or baking soda to the area and shave it with a razor. This removes the last of the tiny stingers. Save the pee for a bathroom.
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A few jellyfish that can kill you are Chironex Fleckeri (box jellyfish) and Irukandji, both found in Australia. Luckily, C. Fleckeri has antivenin. Irukandji does not and is very small (about the size of a medium sized coin). Use of the pressure immobilization technique has been suggested for these stings.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish nets in Australia
Coral
Coral scrapes are painful and can become infected. Good wound care is key to prevent infection and minimize scarring. Initially, wash the area with fresh water. Debride the bits of coral that remain in the wound with rubber cement. Apply a layer over the area and wait for it to dry, before peeling off. Continuous vinegar applications or soaks for 20 minutes, three times per day, as needed help with the continuous pain. Alcohol 40% can also be used. Watch for signs of infection (redness/erythem or weeping/pus) and antibiotics may be required.
New Guinea Coral Reef
Coral reef locations NASA drawing
Sea Bather's Eruption
Sea Bather’s Eruption (red, erythematous and itchy patches of skin) occurs most commonly in areas under clothing or swimsuits. Microscopic jellyfish and/or anemone larvae that circulate in the water cause this. As the little larvae get trapped under the clothing, the are crushed into the skin. Treat by cleaning well with soap and fresh water. A topical steroid cream should then be applied.
Found in the Tropics, especially with divers
Stingrays & Sea Urchins
Taeniura Lymma Stingray
Sea Urchin
Stingray buried in sand
Stonefish
Stings from Stonefish (Synaceja species) spines require antivenin. Symptoms include vomiting/diarrhea, sweating, seizures, cardiac arrythmias and hypotension. The sting site frequently becomes very cyanotic then swells. Hot water immersion can alleviate pain.
Stone Fish
Snails & Octopi
This page also has to mention the Cone Snail and Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena Lunulata). Both are very poisonous, deadly in fact. They have a potent neurotoxins and the bite site should be treated with the pressure immobilization technique. Death occurs through respiratory depression in both cases.
Cone snail
Blue Ringed Octopus
First Aid Kit
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Ants, Wasps & Bees
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Mammals
