Injuries caused by sea urchins on the Brazilian coast: advances in the development of therapeutic methods and prevention of wounds

TL;DR

This study examines sea urchin injuries on Brazilian beaches and evaluates methods for spicule removal and prevention.

Contribution

The study introduces a less painful spicule removal method using watchmaker's forceps and suggests public awareness strategies for prevention.

Findings

Echinometra lucunter was the only sea urchin species causing injuries, and it is not venomous.

Plantar regions were most commonly affected, with a risk of secondary infections and granulomas.

No. 10 watchmaker's forceps were effective for spicule removal and less painful than traditional methods.

Abstract

Sea urchins inhabit rocky areas and lagoons near tourist bathing sites. These
animals have sharp spicules on their surfaces that cause injuries to
bathers.

Over 24 months, the author identified sea urchin species and mapped the
beaches where injuries occurred. Samples of spicules were stored. In some
patients, spicules were extracted using fine watchmaker's forceps. The
intensity of pain and late infections were also recorded.

Sixty-two patients (48 men, 77.42%) experienced injuries. The plantar regions
were affected in 58 (93.55%) patients. In 26 cases, spicules were collected,
being of the species Echinometra lucunter, which is not
venomous. Twenty patients were randomly selected for spicule extraction
using No. 10 watchmaker's forceps. Larger fragments were easily and
practically painlessly removed; however, the forceps were not fully
effective for small fragments.

Injuries caused by black sea urchins were the most common among those caused
by marine animals in bathers. The unique species was Echinometra
lucunter, which is not venomous. The penetration of spicules
occurs mainly in the plantar regions and is a significant traumatic factor,
with the possibility of secondary infections and foreign body granulomas.
The use of No. 10 (watchmaker's) forceps was equivalent to the needle method
but much less painful and traumatic. The creation of leaflets and the
placement of posters at beaches with sea urchin colonies could prevent these
wounds and should be attempted by the City Councils of coastal cities.

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