FIRE CORAL or JELLYFISH STING?

[ryark]

Photo of the sting, 9 days after it happened, can be seen publicly on my Facebook page (because I don't know how to attach it directly to this forum post).

Jessica Lundgren | Facebook

FIRE CORAL OR JELLYFISH STING while scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico, on 7/21/15, on right lateral thigh/calf behind knee. If anyone is familiar with this kind of rash, please let me know. I saw my regular family doctor today and she didn't know what, if anything, to do about it. The linear rash has become much darker red and the lines are lifted above skin level now, rather than just color on the skin. They are somewhat rough textured now. Initially the sting hurt and was flushed with vinegar twice. Since then there has been some mild itching like a mosquito bite, but I have been trying very hard not to scratch it. Since I was reading online about secondary Vibrio marine bacterial infections from stings, that made me think to post a picture on case anyone knows anything about these rashes. My doctor told me I could go to an infectious disease expert, but I know that would be expensive, even with health insurance. Many thanks!

 

[uncfnp]

Hi Jessica.

Tell your doctor to treat it as she would any other contact dermatitis, oral antihistamines and steroids either topically, orally or injection depending on the severity. Typically, contact dermatitis lasts about three weeks untreated. The sooner treatment is started, the more effective it will be.

 

[DandyDon]

Cozumel seems to be known for floating hydroid stings, which is why you see so many divers in full length suits even with the water so warm. I use hydrocortizone cream or ointment as often as I need to so as to control the itch. You'll grow new skin.

 

[ColoDale]

I have had those types of stings in Cozumel and they look similar (but I'm no doctor). However when fire coral stings me it isn't quite like that - mine don't raise up. Jellyfish and hydroids do raise up for me. Whether it's jelly fish, hydroids or fire coral it still can take several/many weeks for it to go away. I have no other affects than itching, swelling and redness. I had a red dot from fire coral left on a finger for years tho but it was a more sensitive part and I got a good sting and lesson.
For all three I use, hydrocortizone and/or benyadry topical creams maybe oral antihistimine. I also found that scrubbing hard with soap and water made it raise up and itch more - maybe that's just me. I don't do that anymore. I clean it as if it isn't there.
The ones that raise up for me generally are smooth, then get rougher, the swelling goes down but the redness stays for weeks. I live in a dry climate so it dries out faster and itches more. Then I don't notice it anymore.

If it is causing something other than itching, well, see a doctor.

 

[boulderjohn]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

I moved this to Diving Medicine where it will attract the attention of our team of fine medical moderators.

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[DandyDon]

Your pic is moving down your page on FB making it challenging to find when others come on and want to view. This medical forum seems to have a block on linking images but I could download and upload it here for you.

 

[ryark]

Thank you SO MUCH for uploading that!!

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hi Jessica,

Local signs of secondary infection could include redness, swelling, pain/tenderness, and warmth in the areas surrounding the envenomation. Systemic signs could include fever, chills, and malaise. If you don't have any of those I would say that it's unlikely you have any infection. Of course if you are concerned, go back to your GP or to urgent care. It shouldn't require an ID specialist to prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic for infection related to marine envenomation. If your physician has any questions she can consult us through the Duke switchboard at (919) 684-8111.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ryark,

You do not need to see an infectious disease specialist at this point in time.

Regards,

DocVikingo