How to Treat the Wound From a Sea Urchin

Sea urchins are beautiful creatures that live on the sea floor under shallow ocean waters. Although fun to look at, humans should never touch or move sea urchins. Unfortunately, it is possible for humans to accidentally step on or brush against a sea urchin. When they do, the sea urchin will release several of its pointy spines into the skin of the offender. The result may be an immediate pricking sensation or a painful reaction that does not occur until up to 30 minutes after contact.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Bucket or dish for soaking
• Tweezers or hemostats
• Shaving cream
• Razor
• Antiseptic
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay calm. The spines of a sea urchin contain small amounts of toxins that will spread through your body more quickly and can make you feel worse if you panic. Fortunately, these toxins are not strong enough to cause more than discomfort unless you have been stuck an extraordinary number of times.

• 2

  Soak the wound in hot water for 1 hour. This will soften the skin to make removing the sea urchin barbs easier and will help control pain. Repeat this step as many times as needed to help ease any pain.

• 3

  Use a pair of tweezers or hemostats to carefully remove any spines protruding from the skin. Sea urchins spines are composed mostly of minerals, so there is no need to dig out spines that are deeply embedded. Your body will absorb or expel them in time.

• 4

  Check the surface of the wound for pedicellaria. Pedicellaria are tiny forceps-shaped growths that a sea urchin uses to clean itself and remove parasites. These may get stuck on your skin after a sea urchin encounter. If pedicellaria are present, apply some shaving cream to the affected area and remove them gently with a razor.

• 5

  Thoroughly clean the wound with an antiseptic.

• 6

  Leave the treated wound uncovered and continue to monitor it for infection as it heals.

• 7

  Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for pain. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions provided on the bottle or by your physician.

• 8

  Consult a doctor immediately if a spine has entered a joint or if you experience chest pain or trouble breathing.