Swimming on the beach and tanning is one of the key draws for many people who are considering a vacation to Bali, a tropical paradise. Nevertheless, most people are frequently unaware of the potential hazards that could be hidden beneath the warm waters, despite its allure and beauty. One of them is the possibility of suffering from sea urchin-related side effects, which might make your vacation miserable.

This article will go into further detail regarding the dangers of sea urchin poisoning and the safety precautions visitors should take to avoid getting sick while admiring Bali's stunning beaches.

Are Sea Urchin Stings Dangerous to Humans?

Sea urchins, as they are more commonly called, are tiny aquatic invertebrates with poisonous spines all over their bodies. 

They can be found in steep coral crevices and shallow seas with warm water. Because they are carried by sea currents, sea urchins can also be seen on beaches.

There are two defense mechanisms in a sea urchin. Since it is the external, natural body, one is always engaged. This consists of lengthy, poisonous spikes that can pierce skin. Once the sea urchin stings you, these spines can also readily break off within your body.

There is greater activity in the second defense system. It's known as the pedicellariae, and it resembles venomous jaws.

If you accidentally come into contact with sea urchins, there are several dangerous risks that you need to pay attention to. Sea urchins have sharp and poisonous spines which can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Furthermore, infection or inflammation may result from spikes remaining in the skin. More significant issues including swelling, pain, or infection that need medical attention may arise if these spines are not appropriately removed.

If the spiked parts enter too deeply, you could suffer serious injury. The following symptoms may be seen if one is exposed to toxins from sea urchin spine pieces:

• Feeling weak, lethargic, and exhausted.
• Muscle ache.
• Paralysed.
• Shock.

In very severe cases, these symptoms can trigger respiratory failure and even death.

What To Do To Treat Sea Urchin Sting?

To avoid further issues, it's crucial to take precautions, stay out of direct touch with sea urchins when in the water, and carefully treat them if they pierce you.

The following first aid should be administered if you come into contact with sea urchins:

1. Don’t Panic

First of all, stay calm and don't panic. Although sea urchin spines can be painful, it's best to remain calm so you can take appropriate steps.

Also make sure you avoid direct contact with sea urchins to prevent more serious infections.

2. Soak the Wound

Initially, soak the wound in either warm or salt water for about an hour as one of the first aid treatments when dealing with sea urchins. The aim is eliminating potential skin-invading bacteria and germs.

Additionally, soaking the wound can also reduce pain and remove spikes stuck in the skin.

3. Removing The Spine

After soaking the wound, you can remove the spine as first aid to remove sea urchins. If necessary, use tweezers to remove large spined stuck in the skin.

You can also use a razor to remove any pedicellariae that may remain on the skin. Make sure you remove it completely so that nothing is left inside.

4. Clean The Wound Area

Carefully clean the wound that the sea urchins caused, if you have completed eliminating the torn pieces. It is washable in clean water and soap. The aim of this step is to eliminate any leftover poisons while halting further infection.

5. Take Over The Counter Treatments

Take pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort brought on by lodged sea urchin thorn pieces.

In order to alleviate the symptoms, you can also apply antibiotic lotion on the skin where the sea urchin attacked you. Try applying hydrocortisone lotion, which is available at many pharmacies, if the skin where the sea urchin is trapped is itchy.

If you are in Bali and have severe symptoms caused by sea urchin sting, you can make an appointment and consult with specialist doctors at Bali International Hospital.

At Bali International Hospital, The Sanur, we believe that wellness is unrivaled in healing your body, mind, and soul. Hence, as one of the centers of excellence, our centre of excellence is committed to prioritizing your skin health by offering comprehensive assessments and treatments.

Our services include preventive care, early detection, diagnostics, and treatment of a wide range of health problems with unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge medical technology right in the heart of Bali.

Enjoy the most excellent experience in medicine and book now!

References:

Gotter, A. (2017, August 29). Recognizing and Treating Sea Urchin Stings. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/sea-urchin-sting#home-treatments

WebMD. (2021, June 15). What to Know About Sea Urchin Stings. WebMD; WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/what-to-know-about-sea-urchin-stings

Sea urchins: Strange and spiny wonders of the ocean. (2023). Nhm.ac.uk. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/sea-urchins-strange-and-spiny-wonders-of-the-ocean.html