Stings: Hydroids

In the case we previously presented, a hydroid sting may have been the culprit that resulted in serious infection. Let’s take a closer look at hydroids, what they are and how stings should be managed.

- Dan

WHAT ARE HYDROIDS?

Hydroids look like plants, seaweed or clumps of feathers. Like their relatives, fire corals and jellyfish, these animals have tiny stinging cells known as nematocysts. As in the aforementioned case, the stinging nematocysts may also fire into the skin of unsuspecting divers, which typically results in a cluster of red welts and bumps that burn and itch.

The severity of symptoms of envenomation depends on:

the hydroid species;

venom dose; and

body location.