Coral Cuts Treatment

• Scrub with soap and water and then flush with fresh water.
  
  
• If the wound stings, rinse it with acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol.
  
  
• Flush the wound with a mixture of one half water and one half hydrogen peroxide to remove coral dust and then flush with fresh water.
  
  
• Rinse daily and apply Bacitracin (an antibiotic) ointment 3-4 times per day.
  
  
• Oral antibiotics are usually recommended to prevent infection. If infection develops, continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared. Check for drug allergy prior to starting any antibiotic. A doctor can recommend the right antibiotic. Some antibiotics can cause increased sensitivity to the sun, so use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15).
  
  
• If no evidence of infection or open wound is present, an over-the-counter steroid ointment may be used to relieve itching.
  
  
• Pain may be relieved with 1-2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours and/or 1-2 ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 6-8 hours.