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Wilderness: Coral Cuts (cont.)

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.



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