Symptoms
An injury with sea urchins manifests acutely as severe local pain, redness, bleeding, burning, swelling, tattoo-like discoloration, and an inflammatory reaction. The feet and hands are particularly affected. Systemic disorders such as low blood pressure, infectious diseases, weakness and sensory disturbances are also rarely observed. Contact with highly toxic sea urchins such as can cause muscle paralysis and be fatal. The spines are brittle and parts can remain in the skin. Chronic complications such as granulomas, arthritis, neuropathies and inflammation of the joint capsules can develop from this within weeks to months.
Causes
The injuries are seen in coastal areas, for example, in bathers and fishermen. More than 700 different species exist that are exclusively native to saltwater, of which about 80 are toxic. Known species include, for example, and . The spines of sea urchins can contain toxic substances such as histamine, serotonin and, depending on the species, dangerous neurotoxins.
Prevention
Do not enter the sea barefoot, but with bathing shoes.
Treatment
It is often recommended to immerse the area in hot water to inactivate the heat-sensitive toxins and stop the pain. Treatment is under the care of a physician. The spines should be removed completely, if possible, to avoid any complications that may arise from them. If necessary, imaging procedures must be used. How well home remedies such as vinegar compresses, urine and ammonia are effective is controversial. Medication therapy includes analgesics, disinfectants, antibiotics, and vaccines.
