Citation

Hsieh C, Aronson ER, Ruiz de Luzuriaga AM. Cutis 2016; 98(5): 303-305.

Affiliation

Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Quadrant HealthCom)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

28040812

Abstract

Injuries from sea urchin spines are commonly seen in coastal regions with high levels of participation in water activities. Although these injuries may seem minor, the consequences vary based on the location of the injury. Sea urchin spine injuries may cause arthritis and synovitis from spines in the joints. Nonjoint injuries have been reported, and dermatologic aspects of sea urchin spine injuries rarely have been discussed. We present a case of a patient with sea urchin spines embedded in the thigh who subsequently developed painful skin nodules. Tissue from the site of the injury demonstrated foreign-body type granulomas. Following the removal of the spines and granulomatous tissue, the patient experienced resolution of the nodules and associated pain. Extraction of sea urchin spines can attenuate the pain and decrease the likelihood of granuloma formation, infection, and long-term sequelae.

Language: en