fire coral

[joe torres]

Hello, I joined this message board in search of some answers. My wife and I just returned from Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Over the course of a week did about 9 dives. During one of the dives my wife pointed to an area on her wrist that hurt her. I suspected fire coral but never saw it or experienced it before. We have since returned to the US and she has developed large blister like wounds of her wrist. Unfortunately whatever it is is spreading to her legs and other arm. Does anyone know if fire coral spreads?? We also visited the yucutan jungle and did some cavern diving so I suspect it might be a reaction from a plant in the jungle only because it is spreading. Any thoughts, remedies or suggestions would be greatly apreciated.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I have never had fire coral spread, especially as far as you wife's. You could call DAN and they might have an answer. Professional help is what you need.

Oh and welcome to the board!

 

[Hank49]

All the fire coral stings I've had stayed localized on the spot I got hit, like the one on my knee right now that I got Saturday. I do get itchy welts that last over a week, after the burn goes away (an hour or so) but it's not much worse than bad sand fly bites. I don't think fire coral is your wife's problem unless she has a bad allergy or something.

 

[Ocean One]

Welcome to the ScubaBoard! It is definitely not fire coral....As suggested seeking medical advise soon!!!!! Hope your wife gets well quick Because this has got to better a major pain in the body for her!!!!!!!

 

[Hank49]

There is a tree here that causes the same symptoms as poison ivy or oak if you rub your skin against the bark and it's in the cenote areas north of San Pedro. Quite common. I know poison ivy spreads if you scratch the welts and the clear liquid spreads across your skin. the key is don't scratch it hard....with your nails.

 

[Ocean One]

That's some great info Hank49! When I come to Belize in Jan. I'll be sure to avoid the trees!!!!!!!

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy and welcome to SB!

If you haven't yet, click Forums above and start going thru the list - looking for those of interest to you, especially your local dive club. Click the link in my Sig below to PM me if I can help you around here..

don

 

[Jason Ooi]

Welcome to :sblogo:
:wave-smil :wave-smil

 

[Scuba Brad]

I would agree FIRE CORAL it can bite you were the sun don't shine.

Happy Diving

 

[Hank49]

That's some great info Hank49! When I come to Belize in Jan. I'll be sure to avoid the trees!!!!!!!

Here's the tree I was talking about. The OP symptoms sound a bit more like what this would cause.

Savanna White Poisonwood: Cameraria latifoloa, Family Apocynaceae
This tree is identifiable by its dark green lanceolate leaves that are wavy on the leaf margins. It hid-small red berries. As with many poisonous plants, sensitivity to contact with it depends on the individual. A few are affected by proximity to the tree without actual contact while a few others can walk through its foliage with little effect. For most however, contact with the leaves or bark of the tree produces itching and blistering of the affected skin, much like the poison ivys, oaks and sumacs of North America. Fortunately visitors are unlikely to encounter che chem unless you go into the bush and then long trousers, long sleeve shirts, shoes, socks and a little care will keep contact at a minimum. There are remedies to counteract the effect of che-chem it you happen to come in contact with it.