SHARKS

The jaws of the shark contain rows of razor-sharp teeth, which can bite down with extreme force (Figure 184). The result is a wound with loss of tissue that bleeds freely and can lead rapidly to shock (see page 60).

Figure 184 Jaws of the great white shark, with advancing rows of razor-sharp ripsaw teeth.

The basic management of a major bleeding wound is described on page 54. Even if a shark bite appears minor, the wound should be washed out and bandaged, and the victim taken to a doctor. Often, the wound will contain pieces of shark teeth, seaweed, or sand debris, which must be removed to avoid a nasty infection. Like other animal bites, shark bites should not be sewn or taped tightly shut, to allow drainage. This helps prevent serious infection. The victim should be started on an antibiotic to oppose Vibrio bacteria (ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or doxycycline).

The skin of many sharks is rough, like sandpaper, and can cause a bad scrape. If this occurs, it should be managed similar to a second-degree burn (see page 108).

BARRACUDAS

Barracudas may bite victims and create nasty wounds with their long canine-like teeth (Figure 185). These wounds are managed similar to shark bites (see above). Because barracudas seem to be attracted to shiny objects, the swimmer, boater, or diver is advised to not wear bright metallic objects, particularly not a barrette in the hair or anklet dangled on a leg near the surface from a boat or dock.

Figure 185 Barracuda, with large canine-like teeth.

MORAY EELS

Although they look quite ferocious, moray eels (Figure 186) seldom attack humans, unless provoked. They have muscular jaws equipped with sharp fanglike teeth, which can inflict a vicious bite. A moray tends to bite and hold on; in some instances, it is necessary to break the eel’s jaws to get it to release.

Figure 186 Moray eel.

A moray bite should be managed similar to a shark bite (see page 354). Even if the bite is very small, it should be examined by a physician, to be sure that all tooth fragments have been removed. If the bite is more than superficial and on the hand, on the foot, or near a joint, the victim should be started on an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or doxycycline) to oppose Vibrio bacteria. Avoid sewing or otherwise tightly closing a moray bite unless absolutely necessary.

SPONGES

Sponges handled directly from the ocean can cause two types of skin reaction. The first is an allergic type similar to that caused by poison oak (see page 234), with the difference that the reaction generally occurs within an hour after the sponge is handled. The skin becomes red, with burning, itching, and occasional blistering. The second type of reaction is caused by small spicules of silica from the sponges that are broken off and embedded in the outermost layers of the skin. This causes irritation, redness, and swelling. When large skin areas are involved, the victim may complain of fever, chills, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps.

Because it is difficult to tell precisely which type of skin reaction has occurred, if a person develops a rash after handling a sponge, undertake the following therapy:

JELLYFISH

Jellyfish is the term commonly used to describe an enormous number of marine animals that are capable of inflicting a painful, and occasionally life-threatening, sting. These include fire coral, hydroids, jellyfish (including sea wasps), and anemones. The stings occur when the victim comes into contact with the creature—s tentacles or other appendages, which may carry millions of microscopic stinging cells (“cnidocytes”), each cell equipped with a toxin-laden microscopic stinging apparatus. Depending on the species, size, geographic location, time of year, and other natural factors, stings can range in severity from mild burning and skin redness to excruciating pain and severe blistering with generalized illness (nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, muscle spasms, low blood pressure, and so on). Broken-off tentacles that are fragmented in the surf or washed up on the beach can retain their toxicity for months and should not be handled, even if they appear to be dried out and withered.

The dreaded box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) (Figure 187) of northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific contains one of the most potent animal venoms known. A sting from one of these creatures can induce death in minutes from cessation of breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, and profound low blood pressure (shock). A sting from the Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) causes a syndrome of muscle spasm (back pain), sweating, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, and perhaps death.

Figure 187 Indo-Pacific box jellyfish (sometimes called sea wasp).

Be prepared to treat an allergic reaction following a jellyfish sting! (See page 66.)

The following therapy is recommended for all unidentified jellyfish and other creatures with stinging cells, including the box jellyfish, Portuguese man-of-war (“bluebottle”) (Figure 188), Irukandji, fire coral (Figure 189), stinging hydroid, sea nettle, and sea anemone (Figure 190):

1. If the sting is thought to be from the box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), immediately flood the wound with vinegar (5% acetic acid). Keep the victim as still as possible. Continually apply the vinegar until the victim can be brought to medical attention. If you are out at sea or on an isolated beach, allow the vinegar to soak the tentacles or stung skin for 10 minutes before you attempt to remove adherent tentacles or further treat the wound. In Australia, surf lifesavers (lifeguards) may carry antivenom, which is given as an intramuscular injection at the first-aid scene. The pressure immobilization technique is no longer recommended as a therapy for jellyfish stings.

2. For all other stings, if a topical decontaminant (vinegar or isopropyl [rubbing] alcohol) is available, pour it liberally over the skin or apply a soaked compress. (Some authorities advise against the use of alcohol on the theoretical grounds that it has not been proven beyond a doubt to help. However, many clinical observations support its use. Since not all jellyfish are identical, it is extremely helpful to know ahead of time what works for the stingers in your specific geographic location.) Vinegar may not work as well to treat sea bather’s eruption (see page 236); a better agent may be a solution of papain (such as unseasoned meat tenderizer—see below for precaution about duration of therapy). For a fire coral sting, citrus (e.g., fresh lime) juice that contains citric, malic, or tartaric acid may be effective. Topical lidocaine 4% may effectively numb a jellyfish sting, but may not lesson the envenomation.

Figure 188 Portuguese man-of-war (“bluebottle”), with a close-up of stinging cells located on the tentacles.

Figure 189 Fire coral.

Figure 190 Sea anemone.

Until the decontaminant is available, you can rinse the skin with seawater. Do not rinse the skin gently with fresh water or apply ice directly to the skin, as these may worsen the envenomation. A brisk freshwater stream (forceful shower) may have sufficient force to physically remove the microscopic stinging cells, but nonforceful application is more likely to cause the cells to fire, increasing the envenomation. A nonmoist ice or cold pack may be useful to diminish pain, but take care to wipe away any surface moisture (condensation) before the application. Recent observations from Australia suggest that hot (nonscalding) water application or immersion may diminish the sting of the Portuguese man-of-war from that part of the world. The generalization of this observation to treatment of other jellyfishes, particularly in North America, should not automatically be assumed, because of the fact that application of fresh water worsens certain envenomations.

3. Apply soaks of vinegar or rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes or until pain is relieved. Baking soda powder or paste is recommended to detoxify the sting of certain sea nettles, such as the Chesapeake Bay sea nettle. If these decontaminants are not available, apply soaks of dilute (quarter-strength) household ammonia. A paste made from unseasoned meat tenderizer (do not exceed 15 minutes of application time, particularly not on the sensitive skin of small children) or papaya fruit may be helpful. These contain papain, which may also be quite useful to alleviate the sting from the thimble jellyfish that causes sea bather’s eruption (see page 236). Do not apply any organic solvent, such as kerosene, turpentine, or gasoline. While likely not harmful, urinating on a jellyfish, or any other marine, sting has never been proven to be effective.

4. After decontamination, apply a lather of shaving cream or soap and shave the affected area with a razor. In a pinch, you can use a paste of sand or mud in seawater and a clamshell.

5. Reapply the vinegar or rubbing alcohol soak for 15 minutes.

6. Apply a thin coating of hydrocortisone lotion (0.5% to 1%) twice a day. Anesthetic ointment (such as lidocaine hydrochloride 2.5% or a benzocaine-containing spray) may provide short-term pain relief.

7. If the victim has a large area involved (an entire arm or leg, face, or genitals), is very young or very old, or shows signs of generalized illness (nausea, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and the like), seek help from a doctor. If a child has placed tentacle fragments in his mouth, have him swish and spit whatever potable liquid is available. If there is already swelling in the mouth (muffled voice, difficulty swallowing, enlarged tongue and lips), do not give anything by mouth, protect the airway (see page 22), and rapidly transport the victim to a hospital.

To prevent jellyfish stings, an ocean bather or diver should wear, at a minimum, a synthetic nylon-rubber (Lycra [DuPont]) dive skin. Safe Sea Sunblock with Jellyfish Sting Protective Lotion (www.buysafesea.com), which is both a sunscreen and a jellyfish sting inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in preventing stings from many jellyfish species.

CORAL AND BARNACLE CUTS

Cuts and scrapes from sharp-edged coral and barnacles tend to fester and become infected wounds. Treatment for these cuts is as follows:

Coral poisoning occurs if coral cuts are extensive or the cuts are from a particularly toxic species. The symptoms include a coral cut that heals poorly or continues to drain pus or cloudy fluid, swelling around the cut, swollen lymph glands, fever, chills, and fatigue. An antibiotic (see step 4, directly above) should be started, and the victim seen by a physician, who may elect to treat the victim for a week or two with an oral corticosteroid.

SEA URCHINS

Some sea urchins are covered with sharp venom-filled spines (Figure 191) that can easily penetrate and break off into the skin, or with small pincer-like appendages (Figure 192) that grasp the victim and inoculate him with venom from a sac within the pincer. Sea urchin punctures or stings are painful wounds, most often of the hands or feet. If a person receives many wounds simultaneously, the reaction may be so severe as to cause difficulty in breathing, weakness, and collapse. The treatment for sea urchin wounds is as follows:

Figure 191 Spiny sea urchin.

Figure 192 Sea urchin pincer with embedded venom sac.

STARFISH

The crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a particularly venomous starfish found in tropical oceans worldwide (Figure 193). It carries sharp and rigid spines that may grow to 3 in (7.5 cm) in length. The cutting edges easily penetrate a diver’s glove and cause a very painful puncture wound with copious bleeding and slight swelling. Multiple puncture wounds may lead to vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and brief muscle paralysis.

Figure 193 Crown of thorns starfish.

The treatment is similar to that for a sea urchin puncture (see page 362). Immerse the wound in nonscalding hot water to tolerance (110°F to 113°F or 43.3°C to 45°C) for 30 to 90 minutes. This frequently provides pain relief. Administer appropriate pain medicine. Carefully remove any readily visible spines. If there is a question of a retained spine or fragment, seek the assistance of a physician.

Other starfish, such as the rose star, can cause a skin rash. This may be treated with topical calamine lotion with 1% menthol or topical hydrocortisone 1% lotion.

CUCUMBERS

Sea cucumbers (Figure 194) are sausage-shaped creatures that produce a liquid called holothurin, which is a contact irritant to the skin and eyes. Because some sea cucumbers dine on jellyfish, they may excrete jellyfish stinging cells and venom as well. Therefore, anyone who sustains a skin irritation from handling a sea cucumber may benefit from the treatment for jellyfish stings described beginning on page 358. If the eyes are involved, they should be irrigated with at least a quart (liter) of water, and immediate medical attention should be sought. If the victim is out at sea, treat the eye injury as a corneal abrasion (see page 180).

Figure 194 Sea cucumber.

BRISTLEWORMS

Bristleworms are small, segmented marine worms covered with chitinous bristles arranged in soft rows around the body (Figure 195). When a worm is stimulated, its body contracts and the bristles are erected. Easily detached, they penetrate skin like cactus spines and are difficult to remove. Some marine worms are also able to inflict painful bites.

Figure 195 Bristleworm.

The bite or sting of a marine worm may induce intense inflammation typified by burning sensation with a raised, red, and itchy rash, most frequently on the hands and fingers. Untreated, the pain is generally self-limited over the course of a few hours, but the redness and itching may last for 2 to 3 days. With multiple punctures, there may be marked swelling.

Remove all large visible bristles with tweezers. Then gently dry the skin, taking care to avoid breaking or embedding the spines farther into it. Apply a layer of adhesive tape, rubber cement, or a facial peel to remove the residual smaller spines. If the residual inflammation is significant, the victim may benefit from the administration of topical hydrocortisone 1% lotion.

CONE SNAILS (SHELLS)

Cone snails (shells) are beautiful, yet potentially lethal, cone-shaped mollusks that carry a highly developed venom apparatus, consisting of a rapid-acting poison that is injected by means of a dartlike, barbed tooth (Figure 196). The venom causes a mild sting (puncture wound) that initially is characterized by bee sting–like pain or, rarely, numbness and blanching. This is rapidly followed by numbness and tingling at the wound site, around the mouth and lips, and then all over the body. If the envenomation is severe, the victim is afflicted with muscle paralysis, blurred vision, and breathing failure. A sting can be fatal.

Figure 196 Cone snail, with a depiction of its venom apparatus.

There is no antivenom for a cone shell envenomation. While many first-aid remedies (such as hot-water immersion, surgical excision of the sting site, and injection of a local anesthetic) have been recommended, the one that makes the most sense is the pressure immobilization technique (see page 350) to contain the venom until the victim can be brought to advanced medical attention. Be prepared to offer the victim assistance for breathing (see page 29).

STINGRAYS

A stingray does its damage by lashing upward in self-defense with a muscular tail-like appendage, which carries up to four sharp, swordlike stings (Figure 197). The stings are supplied with venom, so that the injury created is both a deep puncture or laceration and an envenomation. The pain from a stingray wound can be excruciating and accompanied by bleeding, weakness, vomiting, headache, fainting, shortness of breath, paralysis, collapse, and occasionally, death. Most wounds involve the feet and legs, because unwary waders and swimmers tread on the creatures hidden in the sand. If a person is struck by a stingray, immediately do the following:

Figure 197 Stingray. The ray thrusts upward in self-defense with venom-laden spine(s) into the foot of an unwary victim.

CATFISH

Catfish sting their victims with dorsal and pectoral fin spines, which are charged with venom. When a fish is handled, the spines are extended and “locked” into position. The wound can be exceedingly painful, resembling the sting of a stingray. The treatment is the same as that for a stingray wound. Soaking the wound in nonscalding hot water to tolerance (110°F to 113°F, or 43.3°C to 45°C) may provide dramatic relief of pain.

Tiny South American catfish of the genus Vandellia are known as “urethra fish” in English. They can swim up the human urethra or other urogenital openings and lodge within the victim, where they extend short spines on their gill covers. This can be extremely painful. Nonsurgical treatment is the ingestion of megadose (1 to 2 g per day) ascorbic acid (vitamin C); when excreted in the urine, this supposedly slowly softens the spines and allows the fish to be excreted as well. Surgical removal is generally required because the victim cannot tolerate the discomfort caused by a retained urethra fish.

SCORPIONFISH

Scorpionfish include zebrafish (lionfish, turkeyfish) (Figure 198), scorpionfish, and stonefish. They possess dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines that transport venom from venom glands into puncture wounds. Common reactions include redness or blanching, swelling, and blistering (lionfish). The injuries can be extremely painful and occasionally life threatening. The treatment is the same as that for a stingray wound. Soaking the wound in nonscalding hot water to tolerance (110°F to 113°F, or 43.3°C to 45°C) may provide dramatic relief of pain from a lionfish sting, is less likely to be curative for a scorpionfish sting, and may have little effect on the pain from a stonefish sting, but it should be undertaken nonetheless, because the heat may perhaps destroy some of the harmful proteins contained in the venom. If the victim appears intoxicated or is weak, vomiting, short of breath, or unconscious, seek immediate advanced medical aid. Scorpionfish stings frequently require weeks or months to heal, and therefore require the attention of a physician. There is an antivenom available to physicians to help manage the sting of the dreaded stonefish.

Figure 198 Lionfish (zebrafish).

SURGEONFISH

Surgeonfish are tropical reef fish that carry one or more retractable jackknife-like skin appendages on either side of the tail (Figure 199). When a fish is threatened, the appendage(s) is extended, where it serves as a blade to inflict a cut (Figure 200). The appendage may carry venom, which contributes to the pain.

Figure 199 Surgeonfish.

Figure 200 Surgeonfish tail, with blade extended.

Treatment is to soak the wound in nonscalding hot water to tolerance (110°F to 113°F, or 43.3°C to 45°C) for 30 to 90 minutes or until the pain is relieved, and then scrub vigorously to remove all foreign material. Watch closely for the development of an infection.

OCTOPUSES

Octopus bites are rare. A nonvenomous octopus bite causes a local irritation that does not require any special therapy, other than wound cleansing and observation for infection. However, a bite from the Indo-Pacific blue-ringed or spotted octopus inoculates the victim with a substance extremely similar to tetrodotoxin, one of the most potent poisons (also found in pufferfish—see page 371) found in nature.

Most victims are bitten on the hand or arm as they handle the creature or “give it a ride.” The bite consists of one or two small puncture wounds, and may go unnoticed. Otherwise, there is a small amount of discomfort, described as a minor ache, slight stinging, or pulsating sensation. Occasionally, the site is initially numb, followed in 5 to 10 minutes by discomfort that may spread to involve the entire limb. By far the most common local reaction is the absence of symptoms, a small spot of blood, or a tiny blanched area.

More serious symptoms develop within 15 minutes of the bite, and include numbness of the mouth and face, followed by blurred vision, difficulty speaking, incoordination, weakness, vomiting, muscle paralysis, and breathing failure. The victim may collapse quickly and die from inability to breathe.

First aid is the pressure immobilization technique (see page 350). Be prepared to provide artificial respiration (see page 29) until the victim can be brought to advanced medical attention. If oxygen (see page 431) is available, it should be administered by facemask at a flow rate of 10 liters per minute.

SEA SNAKES

Sea snakes are the most abundant reptiles on earth, though they are found only in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can attain a length of 9 ft (2.7 m) and are equipped with a paddle-like tail that allows them to swim forward and backward with considerable speed and agility (Figure 201).

Figure 201 Sea snake, with paddle-shaped tail.

A sea snake can bite a victim with two to four fangs. The venom is extremely toxic, and causes paralysis, destruction of red blood cells, and widespread muscle damage.

The diagnosis of sea snake envenomation is determined as follows:

If a person is bitten by a sea snake, seek immediate medical attention, and immediately implement the pressure immobilization technique (see page 350). The definitive therapy is similar to that for a land snakebite—namely, administration in a hospital of the proper antivenom.

SKIN RASHES CAUSED BY AQUATIC PLANTS (SEAWEED DERMATITIS) OR CREATURES (SEA BATHER’S ERUPTION, SWIMMER’S ITCH)

See page 235.

POISONINGS FROM SEAFOOD

A number of fish and seafood products cause poisonings because they contain natural toxins or accumulated manmade toxins. For instance, in the past, the Food and Drug Administration has issued an advisory cautioning women who are or who might be pregnant, small children, and nursing mothers to not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because of accumulations of methylmercury.

Puffer Poisoning

Certain puffers (blowfish, globefish, swellfish, porcupinefish [Figure 202], and so on) contain tetrodotoxin, one of the most potent poisons in nature. These fish are prepared as a delicacy (fugu) in Japan by specially trained and licensed chefs. The toxin is found in the entire fish, with greatest concentration in the liver, intestines, reproductive organs, and skin. After the victim has eaten the fish, symptoms can occur as quickly as 10 minutes later or be delayed by a few hours. These include numbness and tingling around the mouth, light-headedness, drooling, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, difficulty walking, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and collapse. Many victims die.

Figure 202 Porcupine (puffer) fish.

If someone is suffering from puffer poisoning, immediately transport him to a hospital. Pay attention to his ability to breathe, and assist his breathing if necessary (see page 29). Unfortunately, there is no antidote, and the victim will need sophisticated medical management until he metabolizes the toxin. Eating puffers, unless they are prepared by the most skilled chefs, is dietary Russian roulette.