Fire Coral sting on the neck!

[Eskasi]

I had a near disaster a few days ago in the Red Sea. While on a dive in Ras Mohammad we were told that the currents may be strong and that certain areas we were planning to explore would be abandoned if so. I informed the DM that the girl I was buddied up with was a fairly weak swimmer with poor finning technique. I suggested she stay right behind the DM as at certain points as we had to go in a single file to stay close to the reef.

Our DM proceeded guiding us and it was a fantastic dive site....15 mins into the dive, the current got really strong against us and we started going in a single file. THe girl in front of me was not moving at all....I decided to give her a tow. This is when I get pissed off...the current got stronger and stronger and we were overtaken by some other fitter divers (Many of which said they hyperventilated when they got to the other side outside the current) . By this time, I was struggling. THe girl was wide eyed and panicing. DM was nowhere in sight. We tried grabbing the reef and had a hard time holding on. In some cases, the rocks broke off. I finned hard to maintain position and clung on to the rock. THe girl was not able to get to the reef and I was basically hanging on to the reef with one hand and hanging on to her with the other while finning hard. My goggles almost blew off and the left side filled with water....

finally, another DM came to my aid and tried to grab her to slowly move her back into a cove some 20m back....just in time too as my left leg was cramping up.

THIS is the icing on the cake....as I was hanging on to her...she was being pulled back and up by the current....it took a huge heave to pull her down and towards the DM. During that process, I moved up slightly and back against the Coral.....My neck instantly felt like it had been hit by a red hot poker! I frantically swatted at it after the girl was safely with the DM and at the same time dumped some air so I wouldnt float up so fast......the bloody thing must have broken off a I felt it roll across my neck and burn all the way!

Anyway, this must have been my worst diving experience so far.

My neck has lumps/welts all over the back. my ears have swelled up too. It itches so bad. I did get Vinegar on it after we got back on the boat. However, it has not seemed to help.

Anyone with any experience with a fire coral burn to the neck or ears? ITs the ears that are getting to me. the swelling and occasionally a slight clear puss/scab breaks out from the lobes or top of the ear. I have heard that steriod creams do not work and I have been taking Claritine antihistamine tablets to no real effect. I will be seeing a GP today but am just wondering if anyone here has advice......

Thanks!

 

[Babydamulag]

Got it....okay, this is going to hurt but it will rid you of the pain. Here goes. Get a small hard plastic comb with teeth close together. You might want to get a friend to do this.....
Get a large bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Pour alcohol over the comb to sterilize it. Have your friend actually run the comb through the wound. This will extract the stinging polps. As your friend drags the comb through the wound then pour the peroxide over the wound. It is important to note that this will really hurt but will bring immediate relief. I have done this 4 times in the past....I learned this from a commercial diver and have used it many times on myself and others.

 

[Eskasi]

OK....after coming back from the doc, I was informed that the problem on my ears is secondary to the sting....it has turned into Cellulitis and has to be treated with antibiotics. Started them already. I am also taking Claratyn for the itch and rash from the sting.

Will keep you guys posted....