Should you remove sea urchin spines?

First aid for sea urchin stings requires prompt removal of the spiky spines. Removing sea urchin spines with tweezers can cause them to break and splinter at the skin’s surface. The spines might appear to be gone but can remain in the deeper layers of skin.

Does urine dissolve sea urchin spines?

Adding Epsom salts or other magnesium sulfate compound to the water may help in dissolving the spines and reducing swelling. Vinegar, or urine, are not of help.

What’s the best way to remove sea urchin spines?

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.

What to do if you get stung by a sea urchin?

The immediate puncture wounds from the spikes will cause severe pain, especially because the spikes can potentially puncture fairly deep into the body. If you’re stung by a sea urchin, immediately remove any part of the sea urchin that’s embedded within your body. Use tweezers to remove the large spines.

What happens if a sea urchin is left untreated?

If left untreated, sea urchin stings can cause a number of serious complications. The most common is infection from the puncture wounds, which can become serious very quickly. Any spines broken off within the body may also migrate deeper if not removed, causing tissue, bone, or nerve injury.

What do spines on sea urchins look like?

Sea urchins are spiny sea creatures that are round and covered with very sharp needles called “spines;” depending on the species some of these spines can emit toxins. Typically seen in coastal and reef waters, many people become impaled on sea urchin spines while surfing, scuba diving or even walking in shallow waters.