ten days ago in carribean ocean scraped up against some coral on my hip region, have itchy and raised welts protruding upward in raised skin from the inside. please help me with any information
These answers are for informational purposes and do not replace a physician head-to-head visit. A patient-physician relationship is not established.
What happens with coral is that the nematocysts which are a group of stinging cells, the coral uses as self defense or capturing prey, discharge when they are touched by human skin.
This discharge injects toxin.
At this pint the nematocysts have probably already discharged their toxin. You should use cold packs. Do NOT use heat as this may make things worse.
Unless, you know the species.
Would the rash be under where your swimwear was? I
Most eruptions in the Caribbean are felt to be seabather's eruption, if under the bathing suit. It is felt that the organimsms are trapped under the bathing suits and the nemtocysts toxins is triggered. A stong steroid such as Clobetesol should be applied twice a day. If severe, ;your physician can inject the area with cortisone. Antihistamines such as Benedryl 25 mg. at night and Allegra 180 mg. during the day may help.
At his point such things as vinegar, urine etc. that you might have heard of, are not of too much use.
so what do i need to do to get rid of both the bumps and toxins. okay i can do the cold packs, is there any topical cream such as hydricortizone? yes actually several welts on my butt, under where the swimwear was and at bikini line.
Yes, at this point this is basically an allergic reaction. So the stronger the steroid the better. The best you can do over the counter would be Maximum Strength Cortaid ointment, applied twice a day.
will these welts go away on their own? they are bumpy and itch mainly and a nuiscance.
They will go away on their own, after awhile, this is an allergic reaction at this point. For future reference: take off your bathing suit right after swimming ( in private of course), do NOT take a shower ( fresh water), you can wash off with salt water and do not rub the area.
I was once a cruise ship doctor, this is not a rare thing at all.
okay i appreciate it, will follow these instructions.
You can put some saran wrap over the steroid ointment.
okay. do you recommend anything else at this point?
thank you. will follow these instructions.
Not really. Much of the otehr advice is anedotal.
Things you hear from friends.