Fire coral envenomation: Difference between revisions

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*White to yellow-green appearance that are fixed to rocks and coral.<ref>Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.</ref>
*White to yellow-green appearance that are fixed to rocks and coral.<ref>Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.</ref>
*They possess tentacles that extend upward & are roughly 2m in length.<ref>Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.</ref>
*They possess tentacles that extend upward & are roughly 2m in length.<ref>Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.</ref>
{{Nematocyst mechanism}}


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==

Revision as of 06:53, 27 November 2021

Background

  • Location is worldwide (excluding Hawaii) in reefs & shallow waters.[1]
  • White to yellow-green appearance that are fixed to rocks and coral.[2]
  • They possess tentacles that extend upward & are roughly 2m in length.[3]

Nematocyst Mechanism

Nematocyst stages of discharge
  • Physical contact or osmotic gradient causes discharge of nematocysts
  • A spring loaded venom delivery system
  • Once opened, a nematocyst releases all of its contained venom

Clinical Features

  • Contact with tentacles causes painful, urticarial lesions that may become hemorrhagic and ulcerate.[4]
  • Symptoms can last up to 72 hours with skin hyperpigmentation that can last for several weeks.[5]

Differential Diagnosis

Marine toxins, envenomations, and bites

Evaluation

Workup

  • Typically not required

Diagnosis

  • Typically clinical

Management

  • Pain is best managed with vinegar[6]
  • Steroid cream and oral antihistamines can be used for mild urticaria.[7]
  • If severe, oral steroids may be warranted.[8]

Disposition

  • If hemodynamically stable, patient may be discharged home

See Also

References

  1. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  2. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  3. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  4. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  5. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  6. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  7. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  8. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.