What are the symptoms of a coral cut? How do you treat coral cuts? What is the healing time for coral cuts? Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Coral Cuts: An Unexpected Danger for Divers and Snorkelers

Coral cuts and scrapes are a common occurrence for divers and snorkelers, with the Divers Alert Network receiving about one inquiry a week related to such injuries. These cuts and scrapes can be more challenging to treat than those sustained from outdoor activities like baseball or bicycling, as they involve contact with living marine organisms that can introduce toxins, foreign materials, and cause an acute inflammatory process and infection.

Mechanisms of Injury: Tearing and Debris Retention

The soft living tissues covering the surface of corals can easily tear, allowing the rigid, abrasive structure underneath to get into the scrape or cut. This foreign material can prolong the wound-healing process, as the different antigens and substances cause an acute inflammatory process and infection. Granulomas can also form if debris from the original wound remains in the tissue, as the body attempts to remove it.

Common Manifestations: Burning, Pain, and Itching

The extent of the reaction to a coral cut or scrape depends on the presence and amount of toxins, the size and location of the abrasion, and the pre-existing sensitivity of the injured person. The most common manifestations are a burning sensation, pain, and itching. A rash may also accompany the injury if the coral is a hydroid, such as fire coral, which contains nematocysts that can cause blistering.

Preventing Coral Cuts and Scrapes

The best way to prevent coral cuts and scrapes is to avoid contact with coral or any other living creature while underwater. Wearing a wetsuit or dive skin can provide protection if you are accidentally pushed into coral by another diver or a current. Divers should also consider packing a marine animal first aid kit for their travels, as having the necessary supplies on hand can speed up the time to properly administer first aid.

First Aid for Coral Cuts and Scrapes

The recommended first aid for coral cuts and scrapes includes the following steps:

1. Scrub the cut vigorously with soap and water, and then flush the wound with large amounts of water.
2. Flush the wound with a half-strength solution of hydrogen peroxide in water, then rinse again with water.
3. Apply a thin layer of antiseptic ointment and cover the wound with a dry, sterile, and non-adherent dressing. If you have no ointment or dressing, leave the wound open.
4. Clean and re-dress the wound twice a day.
5. If the wound develops a crust, use wet-to-dry dressing changes to remove dead and dying tissue.
6. Watch for signs of infection, such as extreme redness, red streaks, pain, fever, pus, or swollen lymph glands, and consult a healthcare professional if these occur.
7. Be alert for coral poisoning, which can cause a wound that heals poorly, continues to drain pus, swelling around the cut, swollen lymph glands, fever, chills, and fatigue. Seek medical attention if these symptoms develop.

Complications and Healing Time

The most frequent complications from non-stinging coral scrapes include the wound festering and taking weeks or even months to heal. This delayed healing is often due to the presence of foreign material in the wound, which can prolong the inflammatory process and lead to infection. In some cases, granulomas may form as the body tries to remove the debris, resulting in an itchy rash or papule that can last for some time before the body eliminates it.

The healing time for coral cuts and scrapes can vary significantly, depending on the severity of the injury, the presence of foreign material, and the individual’s immune response. While most “raspberries” generally heal quickly, skin abrasions from a marine environment can sometimes take much longer to heal than those sustained from more common outdoor activities.

Seeking Professional Medical Attention

If you experience any signs of infection or coral poisoning, it’s important to seek professional medical attention. A potential Vibrio bacteria infection, for example, can cause serious illness and even death in someone with an impaired immune system. Consulting a qualified healthcare provider can ensure proper treatment and prevent further complications.