Watch Out For Fire Coral

[scubagrl008]

This week I have been on my first trip to Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles.

I rented an underwater camera the first day I was here and while I was trying to take a picture, bumped the back of my hand into some fire coral.

At first it was a very VERY painful sting, like my hand had caught on fire. It turned into a rash and I rinsed it in fresh water and put vinegar on it. It has been 5 days and what used to be a raise bump with a rash has turned into what looks like a lesion, and is continuing to grow.

All I have to say is look around you and pay attention at all times. NEVER EVER touch anything underwater.

I definitely learned my lesson.

 

[300bar]

Now she tells me.
Had it on my elbow,and gave me 3 years of "fun"

 

[DandyDon]

Hi Scubgrl and welcome to SB...

If you'll use our feature on this Dive Medicine forum for fire, you find a lot of threads - some with help. Oh here, first one is on me: your list Good luck.

 

[The Surly Mermaid]

May want to have a Dr. check it out since it seems to be "growing". Sounds like the sting site may be infected. I've been stung once or twice and while it can scab up if you scratch it, it has never "grown". Would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[Pati_M]

If it looks infected, try using Benedryl itch cream (extra strength) or in the stick. Mine was not getting better, I wrote to DAN and they suggested that. It worked wonders!! One of the divers who was with us in Cozumel has been diving for over 30 yrs and he even got "stung" that day...and he's never on the bottom, current got us pretty bad that day. It happens to folks who don't touch also. Hope you are feeling better soon!