Minor Dive Injuries and their Remedies

First, a Note

These are just general guidelines. In any situation if you see signs of infection, have a wound that won't heal, or swelling that won't go down, then please go see a doctor. Each slide has a link to a page on DAN's website provides more info for that specific issue.

Jellyfish Sting

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Jellyfish_Stings

A common injury, but very annoying. To remedy this, you'll want to rinse with vinegar to keep from getting additional stings. Remove any visible tentacles or pieces from the skin and rinse with seawater or saline (not freshwater). Use anti-inflammatories or painkillers to treat lingering symptoms.

Coral Scrape

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Coral_Scrapes

These can be nasty and take a long time to heal. Scrub the area with soap and water and then rinse with a 50/50 solution of peroxide and water. Follow with a rinse of pure water and use antiseptic and bandages as needed.

Sea Urchin Poke

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Sea_Urchin_Spine_Punctures

Some urchins are venomous, so this may more more than just a skin injury. Soak the area in non-scalding hot water and remove the spines - very carefully. If the pincers between the spines are involved, use soap or shaving cream and shave the area. Use painkillers or anti-inflammatories for any pain or swelling.

Sponge Scrape

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Will_Sponges_ever_Hurt_Me

Less likely to injure than coral, but it's still possible. Remove any sponge tissue on the skin, using tape if necessary. Rinse with vinegar and then wash with soap and water and dry off. If there are blisters, let them dry and heal on their own. Use hydrocortisone to control any irritation.

Dermatitis

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Sea_Bathers_Eruption

Itchy red bumps or blisters after swimming in seawater often attributed to sea lice, but they're usually minor jellyfish stings. Pour vinegar over the area and then rinse with saline. Use topical steroids and take antihistamine to control rash or swelling.

Nosebleed

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Nosebleeds_Sinus_Squeeze

Not uncommon, these are usually caused by descending too quickly and not equalizing well enough. Lean your head forward and pinch the softer part of nose. Use ice packs to help constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding. Generally not a big deal, but if it happens often, see your doctor.

Swollen Hands/Feet

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Hand__Foot_Edema

If this occurs, it's usually because your wetsuit or drysuit was too tight around wrists or ankles. Once the compression is removed, swelling should reduce within a couple hours, but if it persists for 24 hours, see a doctor.

Lionfish Venom

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Lionfish_Scorpionfish_and_Stonefish_Envenomations

Did you poke the lionfish and he poked back? Soak the area in hot (but not scalding) water. Apply antiseptic and dressing to the wound until healed. If there is any weakness, vomiting, or shortness of breath involved, seek medical help immediately. This has the potential to be a more serious injury.