Coral Cuts Overview
What are coral cuts?
A person with a coral cut has a laceration to the skin caused by contact with coral. Toxins in the coral cause inflammation, which can lead to a bacterial infection.
What are the symptoms of coral cuts?
Symptoms of coral cuts include skin abrasion, lacerations, bleeding, itching, and burning pain. The skin may appear very red and swollen.
How does the doctor treat coral cuts?
Treatment for coral cuts may include wound irrigation and cleansing, removal of foreign debris, tetanus vaccination, antibiotic ointment, oral antibiotics, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain.
Continue to Coral Cuts Symptoms
- Reed KC, Crowell MC, Castro MD, Sloan ML. Skin and soft-tissue infections after injury in the ocean: culture methods and antibiotic therapy for marine bacteria. Mil Med. 1999 Mar;164(3):198-201.