Crown of Thorns Wound

[hanna_banana]

I don't know if this should be at the PPD subforum......

How does one deal with being wounded by crown of thorns? I recently heard that if left untreated it can lead to gangrene and ultimately amputation. I have never heard of this before until someone mentioned that he knows 2 locals who have had their fingers cut off because of an untreated COT wound. Scary.....

So is it true that COT wounds are fatal? How does one deal with COT wounds to prevent amputation?

I would like to correct my friend if it is not true that COTs can lead to amputation.

 

[theITdiver]

I am no expert but I looked up some info for you about field treatment:

Wilderness: Starfish, Crown of Thorns, and Sea Star Punctures

the next page says "When to seek medical attention - Seek medical attention immediately"

 

[Diver Dennis]

The first aid in the treatment of COT sting is the same for any barb type sting, so I would think that unless left untreated and a staph or strep infection started then you would be no more likely to have a limb amputated than any other sting. Hope this helps.


First Aid for
CROWN-OF-THORN SEASTAR (STARFISH) PUNCTURES:



Remove any obvious broken spines protruding from the wound. Unless a victim is allergic, these wounds are not a medical emergency and can be treated at home. Soaking the wound in hot water for pain control is unproven. Some authors believe soaking the sting in hot, nonscalding water for 30 to 90 minutes may reduce pain caused by this venom. Others feel heat application has no benefit in crown-of-thorns injuries, and should not be used. Follow First Aid in Staph, Strep and General Wound Care. Infections from these wounds are rare. If you cannot remove broken spines, or develop hives, breathing difficulty, numbness or weakness, go to an emergency room. These symptoms usually disappear after spines are removed.


IngentaConnect Case of skin injuries due to stings by crown-of-thorns starfish (...

Wilderness: Starfish, Crown of thorns, and Sea Star Punctures

 

[Diver Dennis]

Here is another link that has some photos. It illustrates the importance of removing all the foreign matter from the wound, as well as the fact that COT venom is not unique.



Foreign body synovitis induced by a crown-of-thorns starfish -- Adler et al. 41 (2): 230 -- Rheumatology

 

[hanna_banana]

Ok. Thanks.

 

[alcina]

Hehehe - on the upside, you have to work really hard at being dumb to get nailed by one of these

 

[Diver Dennis]

Hehehe - on the upside, you have to work really hard at being dumb to get nailed by one of these

So true alcina...

 

[Mike Veitch]

Hehehe - on the upside, you have to work really hard at being dumb to get nailed by one of these

i resent (or is that resemble?) that comment..

 

[Diver Dennis]

I've never been stung by a COT but I have to admit that there may have been other stings, so you're not alone Mike...

 

[justleesa]

Jimbo needs to make a comment here.....