Coral Rash

[ilovetheocean]

Hi all

I was diving in Thailand about two weeks ago and accidently brushed my hand against a coral reef (wow that was painful). Anyway, I cleaned it with vinegar or about a week until the skin seemed to heal except now I have this red, uplifted skin on my hands still and it itches in the am. Not sure what to do. I don't want it to scar either. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Thanks

 

[DandyDon]

I think this is more of a Dive Medicine thread, and will ask about maybe moving it for better review. A few suggestions...

1: Read DAN magazine article about why vinegar is not preferred for such.

2: Read this thread: Cozumel Rash/Little Bumps

3: Hot water soaks and topical hydrocortizone.

4: Grown new skin is usually the bottom line for most of us.​

Does it look like this? Pic from linked thread...

Click to enlarge​

Good luck!

 

[annasea]

Please visit a doctor asap. I had a similar experience in the Philippines (I brushed up against a rope at depth) and wound up with an infection. Prescriptions for Mupirocin and Cloxacillin Sodium did the trick for me. Take care.

 

[diversteve]

I think this is more of a Dive Medicine thread, and will ask about maybe moving it for better review.

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

agreed..

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[ilovetheocean]

Sorry about the wrong posting. I was in a rush and didn't read throughly through my options.

Dandy Don~the picture you posted is exactly what my hand looks like:-(

 

[ilovetheocean]

Thank you Annasea

 

[DandyDon]

It couldn't hurt to see a physician, as a dive related injury your dive insurance should pay for it.

 

[gypsyjim]

Amazing how closely those "bumps" look like my reaction to poison ivy!
I would seek medical advice.

 

[Jersey]

Ilovetheocean and Gypsyjim - that is exactly what my reaction to any of the poison plants (sumac/ivy/oak) and fire coral look like. With fire coral my hands also swell to extremely uncomfortable size - no ring or watch wearing. Highly susceptible and have horrible dermatologic reactions. Worse - mine will not clear without a healthy dose of oral steroids, sometimes 2 rounds, plus a topical ointment. Regardless of initial contact site, rash spreads all over to tender skin - inner part of arms, upper inner thigh, back of knees, torso/belly/breasts. As DD said - topical hydrocortizone, look for the strongest preparation you can find, seek medical advice. Avoid sun exposure - I've found it will dry out the blisters, but the skin is darker as it heals (maybe just me). When I first visited my doc after coral exposure, I brought along articles and information as she is not a diver and I suspected she would not have any idea what I was talking about. Stupid me didn't think to call DAN... Good luck.

 

[ilovetheocean]

Great news!!!! The rash is almost gone Instead of going to a western doc I went to a health food store in my neighborhood. Colloidal Silver Cream saved me.

Thanks for all the advice fellow divers