Skin Bends?

[rigdiver]

I am an avid scuba diver off the coast of Lousisiana and frequent the many oil and gas rigs to spearfish. Yesterday we were on a trip and found fish in the 110 to 130 foot range, a little deeper than we normally find them but we are experienced diving at those depths. While at a depth of 124' FSW i experienced an equipment failure with my first stage and was unable to get any air. I realized then that i was going to have to make an emergency acent to the surface. It was a horribly terrifying experience but I managed to maintain my composure and stayed with my bubbles all the way up. After boarding the boat I noticed a hot sensation in my shoulders and chest which then became itchy. While squezing my shoulder I could feel a bubble like sensation under the skin. The bubbles and itchyness disapeared within an hour and I havent had any problems since. My question is did I have skin bends? How dangerous is skin bends, and should I see a dive oriented physician just to get checked out. While at depth when I noticed the trouble my computer told me I had 2 minutes of no deco time left so I was pretty saturated. Im just glad to be here writing this right now as I realize many people before me have died trying to make an emergency ascent from such a depth.

Regards,
Rigdiver

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi rigdiver,

Cutaneous itchiness & the sensation of palpable bubbles under the skin in the shoulder & upper chest areas are consistent with "skin bends." There also may be mottling or marbling, swelling, tiny scar-like depressions and a transient pins-and-needles sensation of the skin in the affected regions.

Skin bends most definitely could be precipitated by a diver within 2 minutes of NDL making an emergency ascent from 124'.

Skin bends generally are not considered dangerous in and of themselves, but can be an initial manifestation of more serious DCI. In cases in which the skin bends resolve rapidly and no further signs or symptoms arise within the next day or so, hyperbaric treatment generally is not recommended.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo