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Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.

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Fire Coral Cuts Treatment

The following guidelines are suggested to treat fire coral cuts:

  • Rinse with seawater. Avoid fresh water because it will increase pain.
  • Apply topical acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol.
  • Remove tentacles with tweezers.
  • Immobilize the extremity because movement may cause the venom to spread.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream 2-3 times daily as needed for itching. Discontinue immediately if any signs of infection appear.

If the person who has come into contact with fire coral develops shortness of breath; swelling in the tongue, face, or throat; or other signs of an allergic reaction, treat for an allergic reaction . If no signs of allergic reaction are present, pain may be relieved with 1-2 tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours and/or 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 6-8 hours.

more information from eMedicineHealth

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

Reviewed by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD on May 24, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
© 2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.

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