Injuries caused by sea urchins on the Brazilian coast: advances in the development of therapeutic methods and prevention of wounds

Background:   Sea urchins inhabit rocky areas and lagoons near tourist bathing sites. These animals have sharp spicules on their surfaces that cause injuries to bathers.

Methods:  Over 24 months, the author identified sea urchin species and mapped the beaches where injuries occurred. Samples of spicules were stored. In some patients, spicules were extracted using fine watchmaker's forceps. The intensity of pain and late infections were also recorded.

Results:   Sixty-two patients (48 men, 77.42%) experienced injuries. The plantar regions were affected in 58 (93.55%) patients. In 26 cases, spicules were collected, being of the species Echinometra lucunter, which is not venomous. Twenty patients were randomly selected for spicule extraction using No. 10 watchmaker's forceps. Larger fragments were easily and practically painlessly removed; however, the forceps were not fully effective for small fragments.

Conclusions:   Injuries caused by black sea urchins were the most common among those caused by marine animals in bathers. The unique species was Echinometra lucunter, which is not venomous. The penetration of spicules occurs mainly in the plantar regions and is a significant traumatic factor, with the possibility of secondary infections and foreign body granulomas. The use of No. 10 (watchmaker's) forceps was equivalent to the needle method but much less painful and traumatic. The creation of leaflets and the placement of posters at beaches with sea urchin colonies could prevent these wounds and should be attempted by the City Councils of coastal cities.

Keywords:
Sea urchins; Wounds and injuries; Emergency treatment; Bacterial infections; Trauma prevention