Urchin spines lodged in my hand

[ligersandtions]

A couple weeks ago, I was making a shore dive exit over a rocky terrain. Some of the rocks were fairly loose. I stepped on one and it shifted, which caused me to lose my balance. With a rig 50% of my body weight on my back, what would normally cause me to slightly lose my balance, caused me to face plant in the water. This site is full of urchins and apparently I got stabbed in the top of my hand (the palm of my gloves is kevlar, so that's probably what saved the palm).

I was wearing 3mm gloves and didn't notice any pain or anything after I got up from my face plant. When I got back to the car, I pulled my glove off and saw a purple urchin spine sticking out of my hand. I showed it to my husband and he commented that the spines are barbed, so it's not easy to pull the spines out. He said at some point my body would just reject the spines, so I should probably just let them be.

There were six small scabs on the top of my hand. Since then, three of them have healed completely, and there are three other spots where there are no scabs, but there are hard bumps under my skin. They hurt when touched, even if touched lightly. They look slightly bruised, but they are very small areas, so it's not like my entire hand is bruised or swollen (and hopefully not infected).

Will my body reject these at some point? Or do I need to get them removed (or removed them myself....and if I can do it myself, how do I do it?)? Should I be making an appointment with a doctor....calling DAN? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ligersandtions,

Generally with sea urchin puncture there is initial intense pain that gradually diminishes over the course of a week or so with ultimate complete resolution. Spines that can be easily removed at the time of puncture should be extracted, but it typically is best to leave inaccessible spines undisturbed. With time they will be absorbed or expelled by the body.

When after a couple of weeks there still are hard bumps under the sites of puncture that hurt when touched, even lightly, it suggests that particles of spine remain. These may yet be absorbed or expelled over the next several weeks.

Sometimes when spines become embedded over bony prominences, within joints, or in contact with nerves, as can happen with the hand, complications can occur. In these instances, surgical removal may be advised. This should not be attempted by the affected individual, but should be left to an appropriate professional.

The most important step over the healing period is to monitor carefully for infection or complications. If any signs of this occur, the diver should seek prompt medical attention.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice."