Scuba Diving in Thailand

Coral Scrapes

Divers spend significant amounts of time around those marvelous communities of coral, so it's no wonder that coral scrapes are such common injuries. Coral scrapes are probably the most common underwater injury to divers.

The mechanism of a coral injury involves the depositing of living organisms into the wound caused by the contact with the rigid limestone structure. Biological material complicates and prolongs an injury.

Treatment for Coral Scrapes

• Scrub the injury with soap and water and flush well with additional water.
• Flush the wound with a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, then flush with clean water.
• Apply a film of antiseptic ointment such as Bacetracin, then cover the wound with a clean dressing; sterile if possible.
• Clean and reapply ointment and dressing 2 x per day
• If pus forms under a scab, remove the scab by allowing it to stick to a dry dressing then soaking it in clean water and pulling the necrotic tissue away. The re dress the wound.
• A crimson puffiness around the wound probably indicates a more severe infection. It may be accompanied by swollen lymph glands. Get immediate professional treatment.

Coral poisoning

A more toxic version of a coral infection. The symptoms may include chills, fever, swollen lymph glands and a putrid discharge from the wound.

In case of coral poisoning, seek professional treatment immediately!

Diving Related Medical Resources

Scuba Doc
Divers Alert Network

Thailand Diving