Marine Stings and Scrapes
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think you have a skin infection at the site of the sting or coral scrape?
See significance of a skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease?
Yes Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the site of the sting or scrape?
Yes Is the area around your wound increasingly tender to the touch?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from the site of the sting or scrape?
Yes Do you have pus in or around the site of the sting or scrape?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the site of the sting or scrape for 48 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin for 1 week or longer?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: September 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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