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A sea urchin sting can cause respiratory arrest and be life-threatening, what you need to keep in mind
2025-07-11 22:06:57 / JETË
Sea urchin stings require immediate removal of the spines and careful wound treatment.
Sea urchins are small, spiny marine creatures found in almost all waters around the world. A sting from one causes immediate pain, while contact can cause redness, swelling and, in more severe cases, serious symptoms such as weakness, shock or paralysis.
Sea urchins are usually found in shallow waters, where people rest, so accidental contact and stings often occur.
Contact with sea urchin, a pain with serious complications
A sea urchin sting is very painful. Most people get stung when they accidentally step on or touch one, which often happens in murky water, as they hide in crevices of rocks during the day.
Symptoms of sea urchin sting
Piercing causes intense and immediate pain. Small punctures appear in the skin that can easily become infected if not treated carefully. The area around the wound is often red, swollen, and, if the barb penetrates deep into the skin (which is often the case), the puncture site may appear as a blue-black bruise.
Multiple, deep piercings can be very dangerous, especially if these symptoms occur:
▪ weakness,
▪ muscle pain,
▪ shock,
▪ paralysis,
▪ severe fatigue.
These can lead to respiratory arrest and life-threatening conditions.
The sea urchin has two defense mechanisms. The first is passive and permanent, with long and often poisonous spines that can easily pierce the skin. The spines can break off and remain embedded in the body.
The second mechanism is more active, called pedicellaria. These are small spines that can release venom. A direct sting causes severe pain, especially because the spines can penetrate deep into the tissue.
How to act at home
If you are stung by a sea urchin, all embedded parts should be removed immediately with tweezers.
For very small pieces of pedicel, a razor blade can be carefully used to remove them without damaging the skin. The area should then be washed with warm water and soap.
Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken to relieve the initial pain. The area can be smeared with antibiotic cream 3 times a day. If itching occurs, a corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, can be used.
However, if signs of infection appear, such as swelling, warmth, redness, fever, or increasing pain, the use of hydrocortisone should be discontinued and medical attention should be sought.
When should you go to the doctor?
In case of deep wounds, a visit to the doctor is necessary, especially if the pain persists for more than four days after the bite.
Also, if signs of infection or symptoms appear such as:
▪ muscle weakness,
▪ paralysis,
▪ severe muscle pain,
▪ extreme fatigue,
▪ medical help should be sought immediately.
If a thorn is suspected to be left in the body, the doctor may recommend an X-ray to determine its location and remove it. A tetanus shot may also be needed.
If there is an infection, antibiotics are usually given and should be used for the full recommended period, even if symptoms resolve earlier. More severe infections may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
If the spines are deeply embedded or located near joints, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove them.
Can piercing cause other health problems?
If left untreated, a sea urchin sting can lead to serious complications. The most common is wound infection, which can quickly worsen.
The remaining spines can move deeper into the tissue, damaging muscles, bones, or nerves. This can cause necrosis (tissue death), joint stiffness, or arthritis. If necrosis is suspected, you should go to the hospital immediately.
In very rare cases, difficulty breathing or respiratory arrest may occur, a situation that requires emergency treatment with oxygen and, in some cases, assisted breathing.
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