First Aid for CROWN-OF-THORN SEASTAR (STARFISH) PUNCTURES

Remove any obvious broken spines protruding from the wound. Unless a victim is allergic, these wounds are not a medical emergency and can be treated at home. Soaking the wound in hot water for pain control is unproven. Some authors believe soaking the sting in hot, nonscalding water for 30 to 90 minutes may reduce pain caused by this venom. Others feel heat application has no benefit in crown-of-thorns injuries, and should not be used. Follow First Aid in Staph, Strep and General Wound Care. Infections from these wounds are rare. If you cannot remove broken spines, or develop hives, breathing difficulty, numbness or weakness, go to an emergency room. These symptoms usually disappear after spines are removed.