Can Sea Urchins Kill You?

Sea urchin stings cause immediate pain. Their spines cause puncture wounds on the skin, which appear blue-back like a bruise. The puncture wounds can become infected if not treated immediately. The affected area may become tender, red, and swollen.

Multiple deep puncture wounds require immediate medical attention because they can be life-threatening, resulting in respiratory failure and death. The symptoms of sea urchin sting are:

• Weakness
• Muscle aches
• Shock (low blood pressure, high pulse, clammy hands, and feet)
• Paralysis
• Intense fatigue

It is advised to seek medical attention following a sting or bite. However, some first aid measures can help manage the wound and pain. They are:

• Treatment for a sea urchin sting is its immediate removal. Vinegar dissolves most superficial spines. Therefore, soaking the wound in vinegar solution three or four times a day or applying a wet vinegar compress may help.
• Hot soaks in a tub of water may help relieve pain.
• Rarely, a small cut may be required to extract the spine.
• A spine that has embedded into deeper tissues may need surgical removal by a doctor.
• Even after the removal of the spine, the pain may continue for days. It is important to note that the pain that lasts beyond 5-7 days indicates an infection or a retained foreign body.
• G pedicellariae urchin stings are treated by washing the area and applying a mentholated balm.
• Tetanus prophylaxis should always be given after a sting or bite.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, can help reduce pain. An antihistamine can help reduce itching.
• The wound should be kept clean, and an antibiotic ointment can be applied. Antibiotic ointment with hydrocortisone (steroid) helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

An allergic reaction following a venomous sea urchin sting or bite can be life-threatening. The following signs and symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Giddiness
• Mental confusion
• Mood or behavior changes
• A rash on a different area of the body from the sting
• Extensive swelling at the sting
• Changes in heart rate
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• A trapped spine under the skin or even after a spine is successfully removed can result in wound infection. Signs of infection include redness, an increase in pain, warmth and tenderness, severe swelling, or fever.