What is it about ?
A trip to the beach or a dip in the water can have unpleasant consequences due to unexpected contact with marine animals. Relatively well-known examples are jellyfish bites and stings. When caused by certain species, such as box jellyfish, Portuguese galley, blue-ringed octopus, or stonefish and scorpionfish spines, the consequences can be fatal. It may also happen that you accidentally step on echinoderms (from the Greek echinos = hedgehog or thorn, and derma = skin), such as certain starfish or sea urchins. Some polyps, such as fire coral, can cause skin damage.
The perforation of the skin by a thorn, a sting, a bite, the consumption of fish that you have caught yourself, … can cause local or general infections and / or poisoning. The risk largely depends on where you are and the season. The venom at the site of the lesion can cause problems.
Toxic effects can occur more quickly when dealing with tropical marine animals, as the skin is more easily contaminated in hot water. Indeed, the high temperatures and the warm sea water form the ideal combination for the proliferation of bacteria, which can cause infections of wounds and diseases. food poisoning. The sources of problems are usually raw fish and seafood and shellfish such as oysters.
How to recognize them?
We distinguish between local wounds or lesions of the skin and general reactions:
- a red, painful skin rash;
- light bulbs ;
- wounds caused by thorns and teeth (sometimes very inconspicuous at first, because the wound closes as soon as the thorn is removed);
- skin damage from sharp edges (bleeding wounds);
- wound infections, such as blood-filled blisters and purulent skin inflammation (with pus).
Ingestion of poison or contaminated fish causes vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhea. There may be neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, numbness, unsteady gait, etc. Many symptoms appear quickly, for some infections even already during the meal. In exceptional cases, these injuries or poisonings can be fatal.
How is the diagnosis made?
Local doctors and caregivers are generally well informed about the causes, appearance and frequency (seasonal) of injuries and poisonings in their area. This knowledge helps them make a quick diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Your story (how and when it happened) and the appearance of the wound or signs of intoxication (headache, vomiting, pain, swollen lymph nodes, paralysis,…) Are of great importance. If necessary, a blood test is taken or a piece of tissue or a sample of pus from the wound is taken for further examination under a microscope.
What can you do ?
Prevention is always better than cure. Prepare properly, wear long sleeves, long pants and possibly shoes for walking in the water. When swimming or diving, never touch any living marine animal! A poisonous fish cannot be recognized by its appearance. Gather as much information as possible on the subject and eat like the locals. Avoid experiments and especially do not eat marine animals that you do not know.
First aid is of utmost importance after an injury or poisoning. Get out of the water immediately and seek professional help: report the problem to a lifeguard on the beach or the lifeguard station, or call emergencies if necessary.
Always clean the wound first, then remove thorns, pieces of shells, etc. The caregiver must also protect himself by wearing gloves and prevent sand from getting stuck in the affected area. Many types of poison lose their effect when soaked in diluted vinegar. Some are not heat resistant. You can relieve the symptoms by soaking the lesions in hot water for 30 minutes. Do not forget to protect the affected area well from the sun.
What can your doctor do?
Depending on the type of injury or poisoning, appropriate treatment is started quickly. The wounds are professionally cleaned, and if it is an infection, antibiotics are started. In most cases, a vaccine against tetanus is performed and sometimes antibodies are given as an infusion.
If you are seriously ill, you will be hospitalized and possibly stabilized by means of an infusion, cardiac monitoring, mechanical ventilation, etc.
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