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Starfish, Crown of Thorns, and Sea Star Punctures Treatment

If medical attention is not readily available, the following guidelines are recommended in treating a puncture wound:

• Immerse the affected area in water as hot as the person can tolerate for 30-90 minutes. Repeat as necessary to control pain.


• Use tweezers to remove any spines in the wound because symptoms may not go away until all spines have been removed.


• Scrub the wound with soap and water followed by extensive rinsing with fresh water.


• Do not cover the wound with tape.


• Apply hydrocortisone cream 2-3 times daily as needed for itching. Discontinue immediately if any signs of infection appear.


• Apply topical antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin) 3 times per day if signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat, are present.

Oral antibiotics are usually recommended for infection.

• Continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared.


• Check for drug allergy prior to starting any antibiotic.


• Use a sunscreen because some antibiotics cause sensitivity to the sun.

Pain may be relieved with 1-2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets every 4 hours or 1-2 ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) tablets every 6-8 hours.