Rash from coral. Understanding Fire Coral Rash: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

04.09.202314.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are fire corals and how do they cause skin reactions. How can you identify and treat fire coral rash. What are the best ways to prevent contact with fire corals while in the ocean.

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What Are Fire Corals and Where Are They Found?

Fire corals (Millepora sp.) are deceptive marine organisms that, despite their name and appearance, are not true corals. They belong to the Hydrozoa class, making them more closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones than to actual corals. These fascinating creatures get their name from the intense burning sensation they cause upon contact with human skin.

Fire corals are commonly found in warm, tropical waters, including:

Off the coast of Florida
Throughout the Caribbean
Across the Bermuda platform
In parts of the Mediterranean Sea
Various tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans

Their appearance can be deceiving, as they often resemble true corals with a calciferous external surface that gives them a stony look. Fire corals typically grow in colonies on underwater hard surfaces like rocks and existing coral reefs. Their coloration, usually brownish or yellow-green, can make them challenging to distinguish from surrounding coral structures for the untrained eye.

How Do Fire Corals Cause Skin Reactions?

Fire corals are equipped with specialized stinging cells called nematocysts, which are a type of cnidocyte. These cells are concentrated in the organism’s tentacles, which protrude from numerous pores in its surface. When disturbed or touched, these nematocysts fire, injecting a potent mixture of toxins into the skin of the unfortunate victim.

The toxins released by fire corals typically contain:

Histamine-like compounds
Catecholamines
Various proteins and enzymes

This cocktail of substances leads to immediate and sometimes delayed reactions in humans, ranging from localized skin irritation to more severe systemic effects in some cases.

Symptoms of Fire Coral Rash

Contact with fire corals can result in a range of symptoms, which may vary in severity depending on the extent of exposure and individual sensitivity. The typical progression of symptoms includes:

Immediate Reactions

Intense burning or stinging sensation at the site of contact
Redness and swelling of the affected area
Formation of welts or raised, red patches on the skin

Delayed Reactions

In some cases, symptoms may develop or worsen over the following hours or days:

Itching and persistent discomfort
Formation of blisters or small vesicles
Development of a rash, often described as erythematous and serpiginous (snake-like pattern)
Possible systemic symptoms in severe cases, such as fever, nausea, or muscle aches

Are fire coral rash symptoms always immediate? While many people experience an immediate burning sensation upon contact, some individuals may develop delayed hypersensitivity reactions. These can manifest as recurrent lichenoid papules and plaques several days or even weeks after the initial exposure, resembling allergic contact dermatitis.

Diagnosing Fire Coral Rash

Diagnosing a fire coral rash typically involves a combination of patient history and clinical examination. Healthcare providers will consider the following factors:

Recent history of ocean activities, particularly snorkeling or diving near coral reefs
Characteristic appearance of the skin lesions
Timing and progression of symptoms
Exclusion of other potential causes of marine-related skin reactions

In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions or confirm the diagnosis, especially in cases of delayed hypersensitivity reactions.

Treatment Options for Fire Coral Rash

The treatment of fire coral rash aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent secondary complications. The approach may vary depending on the severity of the reaction and the time elapsed since exposure.

Immediate First Aid

Rinse the affected area thoroughly with seawater (avoid fresh water as it can trigger additional nematocyst discharge)
Remove any visible fragments of the organism using tweezers
Apply a vinegar solution to the affected area for several minutes to help neutralize the toxins
Use hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without burning) or apply hot compresses to the area for about 20 minutes to help denature the toxins

Medical Treatment

For more severe or persistent symptoms, medical interventions may include:

Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching
Oral antihistamines to alleviate itching and discomfort
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
In rare, severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed

How long does it take for fire coral rash to heal? Most cases of fire coral rash resolve within a few weeks with appropriate treatment. However, the duration can vary depending on the severity of the reaction and individual factors. Some people may experience residual skin discoloration or scarring that can persist for several months.

Preventing Fire Coral Injuries

Prevention is key when it comes to fire coral injuries. Here are some strategies to minimize the risk of contact:

Educate yourself about the appearance of fire corals before engaging in water activities in tropical areas
Wear protective clothing such as wetsuits, rash guards, and water shoes when snorkeling or diving near coral reefs
Maintain a safe distance from coral structures, avoiding touching or brushing against them
Use buoyancy control devices when diving to avoid accidental contact with the reef
Pay attention to local warnings and guidelines about marine hazards in the area you’re visiting
Consider using reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine environment

Long-Term Effects and Complications

While most fire coral rashes resolve without long-term consequences, some individuals may experience prolonged or recurring issues. Potential long-term effects and complications include:

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of the affected skin
Scarring, particularly if blisters or wounds become infected
Development of keloids in predisposed individuals
Rare cases of systemic allergic reactions upon subsequent exposures

Can fire coral rash lead to permanent skin changes? In most cases, fire coral rash does not cause permanent skin changes. However, individuals who experience severe reactions or develop secondary infections may be at higher risk for long-lasting skin alterations. Regular follow-up with a dermatologist can help manage any persistent issues.

Ecological Importance of Fire Corals

Despite their potential to cause harm to humans, fire corals play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Understanding their ecological significance can foster appreciation and promote responsible interaction with these organisms:

Reef building: Fire corals contribute to the structure and growth of coral reefs, providing habitats for numerous marine species
Biodiversity support: The complex structures formed by fire corals offer shelter and feeding grounds for various fish and invertebrates
Coastal protection: Like other reef-building organisms, fire corals help protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage
Indicator species: The health and distribution of fire coral populations can serve as indicators of overall reef health and environmental changes

How do fire corals differ from true corals in their ecological role? While both fire corals and true corals contribute to reef structures, fire corals tend to grow faster and can colonize areas more quickly. This ability makes them important pioneer species in reef recovery after disturbances. However, they are generally less diverse in terms of associated species compared to true coral communities.

As we continue to explore and enjoy the world’s oceans, it’s crucial to balance our recreational activities with respect for marine ecosystems. By understanding organisms like fire corals – their biology, the risks they pose, and their ecological importance – we can better protect both ourselves and the delicate underwater environments we visit. Remember, the key to safe and responsible ocean exploration lies in education, preparation, and mindful interaction with marine life.

Acute coral contact dermatitis | CMAJ

Practice

Laura Miguel-Gomez and Pablo Fonda-Pascual

CMAJ December 06, 2016 188 (17-18) 1260; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.151370

Article
Figures & Tables
Responses
Metrics
PDF

A45-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented with a five-day history of a pruritic eruption on her left forearm that developed several minutes after accidentally brushing against a coral while snorkelling in the Mediterranean Sea. She reported initially feeling a stinging and burning sensation in her forearm, which was followed by the development of a reddish eruption. Physical examination revealed a well-demarcated, erythematous and serpiginous plaque on the left forearm (Figure 1). No systemic symptoms were noted. The patient had no known allergies. Based on her history and the clinical findings, acute coral contact dermatitis was diagnosed. Topical corticosteroid treatment was prescribed for 15 days, with complete resolution of the dermatitis.

Figure 1:

An erythematous and serpiginous plaque on the left forearm of a 45-year-old woman in the same area of contact with coral five days earlier while snorkelling in the Mediterranean Sea. Superficial crusts and scaly dermatitis are observed.

Corals are marine invertebrates that belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes anemones, jellyfish, sea pens and hydra. There are some species of coral that contain nematocysts, a type of organelle. When they come in contact with a foreign body, nematocysts release toxins, histamine and catecholamines, which leads to local and even systemic reactions.1

Envenomation from corals can be divided into acute and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Acute reactions are more common and usually occur immediately or within several hours after exposure. They are characterized by bullous and edematous plaques. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions develop several days or weeks after contact with coral. They present with recurrent lichenoid papules and plaques and are considered an allergic contact dermatitis. Type I hypersensitivity reactions have been implicated in some cases.2^,3 In most cases, skin lesions resolve in a few weeks with oral antihistamine and topical corticosteroid treatment.

Clinical images are chosen because they are particularly intriguing, classic or dramatic. Submissions of clear, appropriately labelled high-resolution images must be accompanied by a figure caption and the patient’s written consent for publication. A brief explanation (250 words maximum) of the educational significance of the images with minimal references is required.

Footnotes

Competing interests: None declared.
This article has been peer reviewed.
The authors have obtained patient consent.

References

↵
1. Jefferson J,
2. Thompson C,
3. Hinshaw M,
4. et al
. Coral contact dermatitis. Dermatol Online J 2015;21:8.
↵
1. Salik J,
2. Tang R
. Images in clinical medicine. Coral dermatitis. N Engl J Med 2015;373:e2.
↵
1. Ahn HS,
2. Yoon SY,
3. Park HJ,
4. et al
. A patient with delayed contact dermatitis to coral and she displayed superficial granuloma. Ann Dermatol 2009;21:95–7.

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What is Fire Coral Rash?

Any ocean trip is bound to be fun, but you should always pay attention to hazardous marine life. Luckily, there are warning signs on popular beaches that tell you if there are dangerous marine animals around.

Most people are familiar with the well-known dangerous marine animals such as sharks and jellyfish, particularly since they’re pretty easy to spot in the water. However, you might feel a false sense of security if you don’t see any obvious dangerous marine life.

If you’re snorkeling or diving near a coral reef, there’s a good chance that you’re coming in close contact with a little-known creature that can cause extreme discomfort and pain.

Fire corals.

But what are fire corals, and what harm can they do? More importantly, how can you treat fire coral injuries if you get them?

Let’s find out!

What are Fire Corals?

Despite their name and appearance, fire corals are not true corals. Fire corals (Mililepora sp.) are a member of the Hydrozoa class, making them related to other stinging ocean animals such as jellyfish and sea anemones.

Fire corals are named as such because they look remarkably similar to true corals. They have a calciferous external surface, making them look stony. They also grow in colonies on underwater hard surfaces such as rocks and on coral reefs. To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to identify fire corals growing on coral reefs since they are usually brownish or yellow-green in color.

Fire corals are commonly found off the coast of Florida, in the Caribbean, and all over the Bermuda platform.

Fire Coral Infection

Fire corals get their name from the intensely painful burning sensation that you will feel when your skin comes in contact with these animals. Tentacles protrude from numerous surface pores on fire corals’ cnidoblast (a small organ in some marine animals consisting of a minute capsule). Fire corals also have an external skeleton with sharp calcified edges that can scrape the skin, further worsening the pain you feel.

The burning sensation comes from a toxin similar to jellyfish venom. As such, the signs and symptoms of fire coral rash are similar to jellyfish stings.

Signs and Symptoms of Fire Coral Rash

A burning sensation may occur after contact and last for several hours. A skin rash is common, and it appears minutes to hours after contact. The skin rash may take several days to heal, depending on your immune system and the location of your injury.

The skin reaction usually goes away in a day or two, but it can reappear days or weeks after the initial rash goes away. The most dangerous fire-coral injuries are lacerations, which occur when an open wound receives internal envenomation. However, its venom is poisonous and is known to cause tissue damage around the wound. Keep an eye on these injuries because these tissue damages are an ideal environment for the growth of serious infections.

Treating Fire Coral Rash

If you are affected:

Accept the first aid from the aider.
Seek medical advice from a professional. Any doctor, regardless of dive medicine knowledge or training, should be able to assist.
Scars may leave a mark when exposed to sunlight, so immediately protect wounds from the sun.

If someone else is infected:

Administer first aid. You have a responsibility to an injured swimmer or diver to provide first aid when possible.
Do not just use popular first aid remedies such as urinating on the wound. Use your common sense and avoid trying to solve problems with the traditional method that are not yet proven. Keep in mind that you could be held liable.
You should have a medical professional examine the person who is infected by the rash.

Administering First Aid:

1. Using salt water, rinse the affected area. Avoid using fresh water since it will only worsen the pain.

2. Pour vinegar onto the infected area.

3. Do not touch the infected area and do not cover it with anything.

4. Immediately go to the hospital and tell the doctor about what happened.

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Since the infection is commonly symptomatic, the treatments are also symptomatic. You can treat fire coral symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines to reduce swelling, pain, and itchiness. If there is an open wound, you should also sterilize the wound with an antiseptic solution to prevent secondary infection.

Never delay treating fire coral injuries! If left untreated, fire coral venom can kill healthy tissue within hours of the initial infection. If the infection is severe, it’s possible that antibiotics and a tetanus booster will be required.

Preventing Fire Coral Rash

Remember the old saying: an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Avoid brushing against coral reefs as much as possible, both to avoid contact with fire corals and damage to the reef. Never touch a coral reef if you are not trained in identifying coral species. You should protect as much exposed skin as possible, so wear a wetsuit or a rash guard and shorts when diving or swimming.

If you have an open wound, you should avoid going into the ocean as much as possible. Even if you don’t get fire coral rash injuries, your wounds can still get infected by the marine microorganisms and debris in the water.

Finally, limit your ocean adventures during the rainy season, since fire coral populations tend to increase during these months.

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If Fire Coral Rash Deadly?

Although fire coral rash is painful and uncomfortable, it is not usually lethal. However, it can become deadly if you experience an extreme allergic reaction and go into anaphylactic shock. If you go into anaphylactic shock, you can end up suffocating and drowning in minutes.

This is why it is critical to swim or dive in pairs or in groups. You should also have a first aid kit with an EpiPen on hand in case of an allergic reaction.

Conclusion:

Having safety precautions during diving or surfing can spare you from the effects of fire coral rash. No matter how experienced you are as a diver or a swimmer, always research ocean conditions before going out in the water.

The number one rule of going into the ocean: assume that any marine organism can harm you! The dull coloration of fire corals can mislead you, so never touch anything underwater if you can help it.

If you are infected by the fire coral rash, make sure to seek professional help after having the first aid and do not leave it be since it is potentially toxic to your body.

It’s never worth going through a painful fire coral rash just for a few seconds of getting close to a reef. Keep your distance and enjoy the view from afar.

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Coral contact accident insurance 15% discount

Coral contact accident insurance

A coral-exposure traveler with an accident insurance policy will receive a cash compensation.

In order to indicate such a risk when issuing an insurance policy, you must select the “Personal Protection” option.

And under the standard policy of traveling abroad – only medical care.

In this article you will learn about corals – what they are, where you can see what consequences can be after contact.

There are currently 125 species of corals known to science, some of which pose a risk to the health of the traveler.

Coral is the skeletal material of a colony of coral polyps that together form reefs and even islands. Due to the beautiful views, snorkelers and divers love places where corals accumulate. It is they who suffer from contact with corals most often, because in appearance the corals seem so beautiful and harmless that they certainly want to touch them.

However, corals are dangerous and can cause burns on contact that are similar to jellyfish burns. In addition, the diver’s careless movement can lead to coral injury. These wounds take a long time to heal and are painful.

The ebb tides are especially dangerous. After all, the seemingly strong coral plate is actually quite fragile, and quickly breaks under the weight of a person. The traveler may fall and receive numerous cuts that will prevent him from continuing his vacation and rest.

The degree of damage to the body is affected by the place of contact and the dose of poison that the tourist received. Particularly “burning” corals are found in tropical coastal waters.

What are poisonous corals?

1. Fire or burning coral is a shallow inhabitant of tropical seas. Despite its elegance, the numerous tentacles of the coral have special stinging cells, which are a protective mechanism.

2. Anemones are “soft” corals that do not have a skeleton and are attached to rocks and shells on the bottom. Such “harmless” at first glance corals are quite insidious – on contact they cause a rash, allergic reactions and severe pain.

3. Pennaria is an inhabitant of the Pacific Ocean, mainly in the northern part. Upon contact with corals of this group, the traveler experiences severe pain, accompanied by a slowdown in breathing and heart rate.

4. Millerope is a poisonous coral that will inevitably leave a severe burn on contact, so you can only touch them with canvas gloves.

What to do in case of contact with corals?

The first thing to do is to provide first aid to the injured tourist, which will consist in treating the affected area with a solution of vinegar or alcohol. Then immediately deliver the victim to a medical facility.

Leading insurers offer accident insurance at a 15% discount with promo code 000766917

Kangaroo accident insurance

injured from contact with kangaroos will receive monetary compensation .

Accident insurance against contact with bats

With an accident insurance policy, a traveler who has been bitten by a bat will receive monetary compensation. And under the standard policy of traveling abroad – only medical care. In this article, you will find out which bats pose a danger to the traveler, where they live, what consequences can occur after contact.

urgent help needed: coral burn! – Egypt

#1
asy

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 12:51

people, we managed to get coral burns en masse in Dahab. hasn’t been gone for a week now. what to do?
a couple of years ago, in a similar situation, the burn lasted for a month and left a scar… I don’t want to do it now….

maybe someone has some experience in wrestling?

why did I sit on it

#2
anhar

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 13:03

Hydrocortisone or prednisolone ointments are rumored to help with coral burns.

I did not check this knowledge on myself – when I myself was in a similar situation, there was no one to tell me.

#3
Lucy

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 13:49

= people, we managed to get massively in dahab

= coral burns.

Asya, two very good remedies for burns:
“Pantelon-spray” and “Rescuer”, in general, have a Rescuer when traveling. And I’ll be–
go swimming – grab a lime or a lemon, and use it “fearlessly” – it hurts, but without consequences. Good luck.

#4
Andrey Galitsky

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 13:53

Should have been treated immediately. Rinse with warm water and any antiseptic. Miramistin helps great
Now it’s already a burn… Fortunately, it was always possible to prevent complications by timely measures, so. … ask this question here http://www.tetis.ru/forum….e901d23
You will definitely get an answer.
Good luck.

Website of Andrey Galitsky

#5
asy

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 22:03

= It was necessary to treat immediately. Rinse with warm
= water and any antiseptic.
did it all. but it showed up strongly only a week later…

= Miramistin
= helps great
I read articles on your site about marine reptiles and troubles from them. I’d rather not read. I’m almost in a panic now

#6
anhar

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 23:23

Are you sure it helps? I have a natural – undiluted.

#7
Traveler

Sent by 20 October 2004 – 23:25

corals!!! :-))))))

#8
Andrey Galitsky

Submitted by 21 October 2004 – 00:39

= everyone did it. but it showed up strongly only
= a week later…
= I read articles on your site about marine
= reptiles and troubles from them. better not
= read. I’m almost in a panic now0081 So I gave the link, so that the question was asked there, and not to the “link about reptiles”
I just had a few cases, but I managed to avoid complications, but you have a complication and I unfortunately do not want to give advice on OPS (one grandmother said and on this forum 99% of the specialist will answer you. Including do not be shy and do not delay.
Good luck.

Andrey Galitsky’s website

#9Olga

Sent by 21 October 2004 – 15:05

It helped me – a fact. It’s worth a try… it can’t get any worse.

#10
OlegG

Sent by 21 October 2004 – 18:14

= go swimming – grab a lime or lemon, and
= “fearless” him
= use – hurts but no consequences.

It seems to be the opposite – with an alkaline solution. Soda for example. I always use an ointment / pencil for mosquito bites (in the sense of the one after the bites). It also helps well against jellyfish burns. Miramistin is also good. Of the “improvised” means – urine. If it starts to fester, I use erythromycin ointment.
And bi-panthenol, especially in the form of an ointment, really helps with the healing of burns and wounds.
My only prejudice is against the “Rescuer”. At the risk of incurring a flurry of dissatisfied responses from fans of this “miraculous” ointment for all ailments, I’ll still say – mine is complete nonsense. I never felt the effect. Although … my grandmother treated all the sores with baby cream and it helped a lot, even cuts.
Good luck.

#eleven
asy

Sent by 21 October 2004 – 18:51

Not only was there helpful advice, but amazing contact.

Institute of Tropical Medicine coral burn department: 285-7652, 243-0644.

Doctor Bronstein Alexander Markovich: 193-8217

#12
Andrey Galitsky

Sent by 22 October 2004 – 02:02

#13
Lucy

Sent by 22 October 2004 – 08:33

I completely agree with you – everyone … helps what helps.

Baby cream is generally a wonderful thing, depending on who is “released”, but according to “Rescuer” – there are statistics on treatment, but … like any organism, undertreatment, neglect, etc., this is not the forum where about sores.

A lime and lemon is a way to treat “observers” of coral lovers, this is the first stage, the second is any spray.

But the main thing is that the person felt better, he again enjoys life and the doctor is what he needs, thanks for the phone.

Good luck.

Soda
= e.g. I always use the ointment/pencil for
= mosquito bites (meaning the one after
= bites). It also helps well against burns
= jellyfish. Miramistin is also good. From
= “improvised” means – urine. If
= begins to fester, I use erythromycin
= ointment.
= A bi-panthenol, especially in the form of an ointment,
= really helps with
= healing of burns and wounds.
= My only prejudice is against
= “Rescuer”. At the risk of bringing on a flurry of
= dissatisfied responses from fans of this
= “miraculous” ointment for all
= ailments, I’ll still say – I think it’s complete
= nonsense. I never felt the effect.
= Although… my grandmother treated all the sores
= with baby cream and it helped a lot, even
= cuts.
= Good luck.

#14
alex43

Sent by 26 December 2008 – 11:21

not only was there helpful advice, but also amazing contact.
Doctor Alexander Markovich Bronstein: 193-8217

Alexander Markovich is a very competent doctor.
I was diagnosed with various diagnoses for a year and tried to be treated at a polyclinic at my place of residence.
Alexander Markovich gave two suggestions for the diagnosis, suggested what tests should be done.
One of the assumptions turned out to be correct.

#15
Yuri

Sent by 05 December 2012 – 15:31

Apply mint toothpaste, it helps!

#16
Vasily83

Sent by 05 January 2013 – 12:44

was thrown in a charm, on corals. initially I took vodka and made lotions for 2-3 days, I didn’t worry, I sunbathed and swam. then redness appeared and blisters came out on the 5th day, it began to itch strongly, having arrived, I went into an injury, they prescribed tavegil and fenistil gel, after 2 days the color returned to normal, the itching disappeared, the blisters began to peel off.

#17
Diana1975

Sent by 28 January 2013 – 08:59

do they still get burns from corals?

#18
Basil

Sent by 28 January 2013 – 09:36