Advice needed! Fire coral rash

[Kaymar91]

You might try an over the counter anti allergy drug called
Zyrtec. That looks bad. I generally try to stay fully covered up, even a thin rash guard provides a lot of protection

Thank you! Benadryl has helped with the itching.

 

[Kaymar91]

I have had the itchy fire coral rash last for 7-10 days or more, so perhaps that is not unusual. Here's what DAN has to say about it:

DAN | Medical Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you, I hope it doesn't last much longer. But after reading what DAN has to say, it is common for the rash to swell up again days later

 

[Kaymar91]

K...

I got nipped in the USVI two years ago...I dropped to the bottom...grabbed a hand full of sand/coral dust...rubbed the area vigorously for a couple of minutes...other than a pencil thin red line which disappeared after two days...there was no other reaction...

There are numerous marine medical professional SB members...reach out...I'm sure they can offer some good advice...

There's lots to be said for full suits...hoods...and gloves...regardless of how warm the water is...

For hot beach destination dives...I cover-up a shorty with Carhartt bib overalls and a long sleeve rash-guard over top...

Best...

Warren

Warren,

I wish I was still in the BVIs and had access to the sand, would've been interesting to try. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Kaymar91]

Spicy indian food and 2 red stripe/ironshore/dos equis

Not sure why it worked, but last time I got lit up by fire coral we went our for Indian food. Apparently, there may be a reason why this worked, beyond the beer making me care less;

"Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract with analgesic properties.Capsaicin is a neuropeptide releasing agent selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons. Used topically, capsaicinaids in controlling peripheral nerve pain."

Who knew?

How strange! Worth giving it a try. Thank you!

 

[chillyinCanada]

I've had it flare up a couple of times though mine rashes are more often from hydroids than fire coral. So far, I've never had any discoloration or residual scarring unrelated to overly enthusiastic scratching.

 

[dlofting]

Thank you for your comment. How long does it normally take to disappear completely? If I do not scratch it, will there be any scarring or discoloration in your experience?

It took at least 2 weeks to go away and possibly longer...didn't leave any scars or marks.

 

[elbig]

FWIW my doctor prescribed a topical cream that provided relief. It still took a couple of weeks to go away. It did come back briefly weeks later. I think the little tiny stingers stayed in there and must have re-emerged or re-irritated me. Anyway that passed within a week and was much less in severity. Nothing since then which was about a year ago.