Coral injuries are not common in Sopelana, but knowing basic first aid matters if you plan to surf reef breaks abroad. Hitting coral can cause an abrasion, leave small fragments in the skin and expose an open wound to seawater. This guide provides preventive information and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n
A coral wound can be difficult to clean and may become infected, especially if fragments remain in the tissue or you return to the sea before it has closed. Some organisms, such as fire coral, can also cause severe pain and a skin reaction on contact.<\/p>\n
Do not use lemon juice or vinegar to disinfect a cut. For a fire coral reaction without an open wound<\/strong>, Divers Alert Network recommends vinegar to help inactivate stinging cells that may remain on the skin. If there is also an open wound, treat it as a wound and seek medical assessment when it is extensive, deep or painful.<\/p>\n Seek medical help for embedded debris, a deep wound, persistent bleeding, eye or joint involvement, or worsening symptoms. Warning signs include spreading redness, warmth, swelling, increasing pain, pus, fever, blisters or dark skin changes. People with liver disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system should be particularly cautious after a wound is exposed to seawater.<\/p>\n Ask a healthcare professional whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date, as the need for a dose depends on the wound and your vaccination history.<\/p>\nWhen to seek medical care<\/h3>\n
How to prevent reef injuries<\/h2>\n
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