Coral cut advice?

[Shasta_man]

Question about treatment of a coral cut:

About 4-5 days ago, I scraped my knee on coral on the bottom in Fiji. No idea what kind except not a staghorn stle coral.

Got a very small cut that bled a little, but also a pattern of about 10 dot abrasions.

I'm wondering about care for the dot pattern as it is sore and has turned from separate red dots to a cluster of slightly raised red spots. No other sign of infection like red lines but wondering whether it should be cause for concern (infection?) or expect to have to give it some care.

Thoughts?

 

[Shasta_man]

A pic

 

[scubaozy]

Probably fire coral: Fire Coral - Divers Alert Network.

 

[uwscuba]

Looks like fire coral (which, fun fact, is not actually coral!). I got it on my knee in Mexico a year ago. It burned on and off for a month or so. Luckily, it's common enough that the internet should have some solid treatment guidelines. If it happens again, it's actually useful to rub at it while you're underwater and initially get stung (though I would do that with something that isn't your skin, like the sleeve of your wetsuit). Sorry that happened!

 

[dlofting]

I'd use a hydrocortisone cream. Should be available over the counter in the US, if you're there. If not see if you can find a local pharmacist.

 

[Shasta_man]

Thanks all for the tips and link.

It is not an open wound so I hope to avoid the scary description about necrosis though sounds like it will be blisters which I will follow Divers Alert Network info about.

I brought Benedryl but left the hydrocortisone cream I actually have at home.

Getting some local help then I'll be home soon.

 

[billgraham]

Scrub it with a fresh lime slice as soon as it happens next time.