Coral Sting Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

The marine environment can expose you to possible encounters with corals, resulting in stings and infection. Some coral species, such as the fire coral, can sting. A coral has tentacles used for feeding, as well as for defense. On the tentacles are nematocysts, which inject venom into a victim when it is activated by either a physical or chemical response. Symptoms such as swelling, blistering and the development of welts can result. To effectively treat a coral sting, you'll need to deactivate your body's response to the coral's venom.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Credit card
• Bucket
• Sea water
• Vinegar
• Cold compress
• Antiseptic
• Hydrocortisone cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Wrap your injured hand in a towel to protect it from becoming envenomated. Take your hand and remove the nematocysts. Alternatively, use a credit card to swipe away any stinging capsules.

• 2

  Fill a bucket with sea water. Flush the wound with the sea water, which deactivates the nematocysts.

• 3

  Dispense vinegar over the wound in a continuous stream. Use the entire bottle to stop any additional venom from being released into your body.

• 4

  Apply a cold compress to prevent swelling or an antiseptic to prevent infection. Prevent itching by using a hydrocortisone cream.