38 DANGEROUS MARINE ANIMALS 



the beach, even though appearing dead, may be quite capable of in- 

 flicting a serious sting. The tentacles of some jellyfish may cling to 

 the skin. Care should be exercised in the removal of the tentacles, 

 or additional stings will be received. Use a towel, rag, seaweed, 

 stick, or handful of sand. Swimming soon after a storm in tropical 

 waters in which large numbers of jellyfish were previously present 

 may result in multiple severe stings from remnants of damaged 

 tentacles floating in the water. Upon being stung, the victim should 

 make every eif ort to get out of the water as soon as possible because 

 of the possible danger of drowning. Dilute ammonia and alcohol, 

 which should be applied to the site of the stings as soon as possible. 

 Rubbing the body with mineral oil, or baby oil, may help to prevent 

 stings, to some extent. 



Coral Cuts 



The problem of coral cuts is deserving of special mention, since 

 they represent an ever-present annoyance to the diver working in 

 tropical areas. Stony corals, despite their delicate appearance, have 

 calcareous outer skeletons with razor-sharp edges that are capable 

 of inflicting nasty wounds. These injuries are generally superficial, 

 but they are notoriously slow in healing, and often cause temporary 

 disability. 



Medical Aspects. Stinging corals produce their effects by sting- 

 ing cells similar to those of jellyfish. However, a major consider- 

 ation in the problem of coral cuts is the mechanical damage to 

 the skin of the victim. The primary reaction to a coral cut, some- 

 times called "coral poisoning", is the appearance of red welts and 

 itching, around the wound. If coral cuts are left untreated, a mere 

 scratch, under adverse living conditions, may become within a few 

 days, an ulcer with a septic sloughing base surrounded by a painful, 

 reddened area. 



Treatment. Prompt cleansing of the wound, removal of foreign 

 particles, removal of dead tissue, and the application of antiseptic 

 agents are recommended. In severe cases, it may be necessary to 

 give the patient bedrest with elevation of the limb, kaolin poultices, 

 magnesium sulfate in glycerin solution dressings, and 'antibiotics. 

 Antihistaminic drugs given orally, or applied locally to the wound, 

 afford relief of pain. 



Prevention. When working in the vicinity of corals, one should 

 take every precaution to avoid contact with them. Do not handle 

 them with the bare hands. Wear leather or heavy cotton gloves, 

 and rubber-soled canvas shoes, or a completely-soled flipper. The 



