Can you tell me what to do if you step on a "white" sea urchin?
Some of the spines have been removed but there are a few still inside the foot.
The area on the foot is very swollen but not red in color.
Do you know what to put on it and what are the signs that it has become infected?
The pharmacist gave black powder to put on it. Would penicillin help or anti-biotics (which type...Cipro)?
Is a doctor visit necessary?
I have heard 2-3 days for recovery and also 3 weeks for recovery...any thoughts?

Once again, thank you so much for sharing your local knowledge!!!

I hope Gill will chime in on this. My antedotal experience is that most spines will dissolve in time. The only long term issue is if they work their way into a joint. The puncture sites bears watching but I have seen many spines go in and few infections.

This is a very qualified opinion.

I am a nurse but aquatic injuries are certainly not my specialty. But I would soak it in warm to hot water--preferrably with Epsom salt in it, if you can find some, do that 2-3 times per day. As far as signs or symptoms that is it becoming infected: increasing redness, running a temperature, and purulent or yellowish drainage from the area. Prophylactic antibiotics may be a good idea. If I were you I would just watch it and make sure it continues to improve--if not then I would go to the doctor. Hope this heals quickly for you.

I would see a doctor.
There is (was 3 yrs ago) a good one opposite the hospital.
Better safe than sorry.

Carol a couple years ago coming out of the water on a night dive I had spine go through the side of my dive boot where it was located their was some pain luckily we had a doc along and he was able to cut it out with a razorblade it healed very quick and I missed no dives I would have someone look at it good luck

Thank you so much for your feedback...Incredibly helpful and comforting to get your suggestions!

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