How to Treat Fire Coral Burns

Even the most experienced divers and swimmers get stung by fire coral from time to time: This common underwater nuisance is difficult to avoid. The pervasive fire coral lives in every ocean and takes many forms; it can appear as branching coral, blade-like coral and it often encrusts other underwater objects. When planning your seaside trip, pack some common household ingredients that can neutralize the fire coral's burns, such as meat tenderizer or vinegar. Some people may experience particularly severe reactions. See your doctor immediately, if you have a fever, worsening pain, or increased swelling.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Meat tenderizer
• Seawater
• Towel
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antihistamine

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Pour vinegar or rubbing alcohol over the stung area of skin to stop the stinging from worsening. A meat tenderizer that contains papain, an enzyme, will also neutralize the stinging.

• 2

  Rinse the area well with seawater: Never apply fresh water to a fire coral burn. Pat the skin dry.

• 3

  Massage a one percent hydrocortisone cream into the stung area. Applying this three times daily may help the burn clear up more quickly.

• 4

  Take an over-the-counter antihistamine every four hours, or as directed by your doctor. This can help reduce the itching.