Fire coral burn or jellyfish sting?

[daboo9]

Hi everyone,
I am very new to diving (I have just been certified and have done 2 additional dives), and on one of my dives around Carriacou on Feb 12th, I received a sting/burn that hurt quite a lot. But I don't know exactly what it was.
The pain went away after a day or so...it hurt a little after the dive, and a little here and there...but it seems as though it's not really healing....just a few raised red markings on my leg that seem to look like they did 2 weeks ago.
After the dive, my instructor said it might have been fire coral, but when I commented that I didn't see anything that I might have touched at the time (it was a very sandy bottom and quite clear), he admitted that he didn't see anything either when I indicated I had been stung/burnt under the water.
I am going to try and attach a little photo that I just took....perhaps someone can help me figure out what it is and if I need to do anything to help it heal? (I am sorry it's not the best photo...)
I was thinking of going to the doctor, but I was reading a little and it seems as though if the doctor isn't familiar with thse types of burns/stings, they may actually make it worse.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
T

 

[gypsyjim]

Looks a lot like jellyfish stings my son got in Bonaire a few years back. We had to take him to ER there as he got into them pretty bad. They gave him an injection to stop his reaction, but the rash (and some scarring still) remained for quite a while after.
I think that I'd see a doctor, but make it clear what you may have been in contact with. After 2 weeks it sounds like you are just dealing with a rash, but it never hurts to be sure and consult the medics.

 

[daboo9]

Thanks gypsyjim.
I haven't been able to figure out how to tell the difference between the two (fire coral burns and jellyfish stings), so it's nice to hear from someone who might have seen/experienced something similar.
I'll let the doctor know.
Cheers!
T

 

[Saturation]

It does look like a jellyfish sting. There are so many things that can sting you in the water which you can't see. If you could see them, chances are you'd avoid them. While annoying, most are benign. The best solution is to cover up in the water from head to toe, even in warm water. If you're not sure what it is, rub it with vinegar, it generally neutralizes most stingers.

 

[daboo9]

Thank you for your putting my mind at ease, and for your helpful advice.

Cheers!
T

 

[Thalassamania]

Jellyfish, almost certainly.

 

[gypsyjim]

My son was 13 when he tangled with jellies on a night dive. He was proud that he never needed a wetsuit in the Caribbean, but after that contact he wears a skin on all dives.