Treat water injuries with care---(Florida)

CaptnKirk · 01-07-2006, 08:08 AM

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Living where we do, we are surrounded by water and have the opportunity for many marine-based activities. Surfing, fishing, boating and skiing are a few examples of how we have fun on the water. However, the water also provides a unique environment for the development of infections.

One can easily become cut while climbing into a boat or from the shells on the shore. Fishermen are susceptible to getting stuck not only by hooks but also by the spines of fish. These types of injuries can cause serious infections and, therefore, they should be taken seriously and properly treated.

Wounds which occur in water-based situations have much higher infection rates than similar injuries which occur on land. Lakes, streams and the ocean contain multiple bacteria. There are likely 100 million bacteria contained within a liter of seawater. Therefore, when a wound does occur, it should be considered contaminated and potentially infected.

While there are common bacteria such as staph and strep in water-based environments, there are also different bacteria in the water than those that are commonly found on land, and these can be much more aggressive. One such bacteria species called Vibrio produce severe skin infections that can lead to rapid skin destruction ("flesh-eating bacteria") and death in as short as 24-48 hours after injury.

In August, a 45-year-old Jacksonville woman, Candace Scott, died from another type of flesh-eating bacteria that she contracted while riding a personal watercraft on the St. Johns River. She had sustained a cut on her leg while in the water and died a short time later. These types of infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer or kidney disease. Scott was recently diagnosed with diabetes.

Wounds which occur on the water should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. If it is deep or a penetrating/puncture wound, this should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the need for possible surgical treatment and antibiotics. Small wounds are often left open to facilitate drainage should an infection develop despite antibiotic treatments. Especially in situations of potential foreign body penetration, such as a shell or fish spine, X-rays should be performed to make sure nothing was left behind.

This column is written to discuss issues regarding sports, medicine and safety. It is not intended to serve as a replacement for treatment by your regular doctor. It is only designed to offer guidelines on the prevention, recognition and care of injuries and illness. Specific concerns should be discussed with your physician. Mail your questions to Gregory Smith, M.D., Sports Medicine, 1250 S. 18th Street, Suite 204, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. For appointments, call 261-8787 or visit www.gsmithmd.com.

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batcook09 · 01-07-2006, 01:17 PM

I"ve heard that those are mainly in freshwater. Has anyone heard of any major infections coming from salt-water riding? I cut the heck out of myself all the time on the coquina rocks, but they always heal super fast and never get even the slightest infection.

We're also riding in salt water here, and the humidity is so high, we actually walk around in salt-air!

T-Bone · 01-07-2006, 02:20 PM

i have never had a salt water cut get infected, im with you mine heal faster w salt water. Of cource that is Fernandina beach, dont they have a paper mill right on the water?

WaveDemon · 01-07-2006, 02:43 PM

my bro got a pretty bad infection from a salt water cut.

Prem1x · 01-07-2006, 05:20 PM

In salt water you only have to look out for Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria). :0

lownrangr · 01-08-2006, 12:50 AM

i sliced my toe open on a zebra mussel last summer up north and it hurt like hell and bled a lot since it was really deep. I didn't let it bother me or limit my water activities. I still swam, skied and did a bunch of other stuff. It never got infected at all and it healed in a normal amount of time. I dunno, the lake is really clean and you could probably drink it without any ill side effects. But if I were at any other place where I knew the water was suspect, then I would have been slightly concerned.

ski4 · 01-08-2006, 10:37 AM

it really does not matter where you are or the salinity of the water. any one can end up with an infection , the same as on dry land. chances are though that if you have a healthy immune system and are not a disgusting human being you will not get an infection.

i have swam, and rode in lake erie in posted do not swim times and after large sewage dumps and not got ill but then surfed for 20 minutes off coronado island and end up sick as a dying fish for days

it really does not matter, get a cut keep it clean and more than likely you will be ok

and why are you more likely to contact necrotizing fascitis if salt water????

i really can not think of a time that i have taken care of someone with that that was for the most part "healthy"

willycrumb · 01-09-2006, 03:43 PM

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Originally Posted by Prem1x

In salt water you only have to look out for Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria). :0

I dont know what the actual name is but two of my friends have got the Michael Jackson disease from the ocean.......there skin is turning white all over....luckily not on there faces yet.

vitaly · 01-09-2006, 03:45 PM

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Originally Posted by willycrumb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prem1x

In salt water you only have to look out for Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria). :0

I dont know what the actual name is but two of my friends have got the Michael Jackson disease from the ocean.......there skin is turning white all over....luckily not on there faces yet.

Salt deposits. Tell them to take a fresh water shower.

ski4 · 01-09-2006, 03:47 PM

i don't think mj is sick
he paid to have that done