Stepping on a sea urchin spine can be an incredibly painful
occurrence. Urchin spines, depending on the species, can be extremely
poisonous and require immediate attention. Watersports enthusiasts, such
as surfers, are at great risk of encountering a sea urchin, which
usually requires spine removal. Sea urchins are the ocean's pincushions;
strange, spiny creatures that inhabit the sea floor. As such, sea
urchins pose a danger to the feet of unsuspecting tourists or surfers.
Typically, sea urchin spines become embedded in the feet as the
creatures often frequent the bottom of the sea, especially in shallow
water. Even though sea urchins are not always poisonous, the spines
still pose a danger of introducing bacteria and infection to the human
body. The spines should be treated with the utmost caution, like any
other open wound. Fortunately, the household treatment for sea urchin
spines is a simple one, and can be effective if applied properly and
immediately.
Identify the Type of Urchin
There are several species of sea urchin in the world. Some are
more dangerous and poisonous than others. If at all possible, try to see
what kind of urchin the barb has come from. For instance, the diadema
setosum is a mildly poisonous urchin, easily recognizable by its
sinister looking, long black spikes. The Flower Urchin is an innocuous
looking urchin, resembling a large flower, but even touching its
flowery-looking spines can result in immediate poisoning. The resulting
numbness, heart palpitations, and panic can cause drowning.
Remove the Spine Or Spines
Check to make sure that the spine has not broken off inside your
tissue. If a piece remains inside, under the skin, a visit to the
doctor will be needed. Leaving any foreign object under the skin,
regardless of whether it is poisonous or not, is grounds for infection.
Using tweezers, grasp the end of the spine carefully and remove it from
the skin. Double check to make sure that all of the spines have been
removed, and that all pieces embedded in the skin are gone.
Soak the Area In Vinegar
Because of the properties of sea urchin spines, the spines
dissolve in vinegar. Vinegar is also a natural antiseptic. Heat a bowl
or container of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot, but not
hot enough to burn the skin. Submerge the affected area in the vinegar
and leave it in the vinegar bath until the vinegar is no longer warm.
This will help to dissolve any urchin spine remnants that are not
visible to the naked eye, and even help lift spine pieces to the surface
of the skin.
Soak the Area In Hot Water
After soaking in hot vinegar, soak the area in hot water. The
water, like the vinegar, should be hot but not hot enough to burn the
skin. Soak in hot water for 20 to 40 minutes, or until the water is no
longer hot. The water will help reduce the inflammation and soreness.
The hot water will also help kill any remaining bacteria left behind by
the vinegar. Keeping inflammation and soreness reduced by any means will
help speed the healing process, and will also reduce the chances of
infection.
Wrap the Area
Soak a clean towel or washcloth in warm vinegar and apply it to
the affected area. Strap the soaked cloth to the skin with athletic tape
or another dry towel. Next, enclose the area in a plastic bag and tape
the top of the bag closed. This will keep the dampness of the vinegar
soaked cloth contained. Typically, this should be applied before bed,
and kept on throughout the night.
In treating sea urchin spines at home, the key is to remove the
spines immediately. As soon as possible after the spine removal, the
next key to a successful treatment is to apply the vinegar and water
treatment. The faster these steps can be taken, the less time the open
wound will have to fester and form an infection. If an infection does
form, a doctor visit is absolutely required. Sea urchins are the
lurking porcupines of the ocean. Keeping a vigilant eye out for these
spiny animals and avoiding walking at all, or walking barefoot, in areas
of open water when the floor is not easily visible will help to avoid
stepping on one.
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