How to Treat Coral Stings

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.