What if I'm pricked by an urchin?
The urchin is a marine invertebrate animal (in the echinoderm group) covered in long spines.
Urchins can be found on rocks and the bottom of dykes as well as close to shore at ports and beaches, which is why it is important to keep your eye open!
Most people get pricked by urchins on their feet and heel in particular.
When you step on an urchin, its spines can pierce the skin, snap and stay in the wound, which can cause local intense and immediate pain. The pricked area will become red and small black dots will appear (spine fragments).
In the event of an urchin prick, wash and disinfect the area then bathe the wound in bleach diluted with water, Dakin's solution, lemon juice or vinegar. Wait until the skin softens before attempting to remove remnants of spine from the skin, which should be done gently using tweezers or a disinfected needle.
Any small remaining fragments will generally fall out there and then or will work themselves out a few days or a week later.
Keep an eye on the wound and in the event of infection or persistent pain, see a doctor.
If you see an urchin in the water, close to the shore of a beach, and someone could easily step on it, then move it out of the way. Gently scoop the urchin into the palm of your hand and take it to a rock or further out to sea. Not only will you prevent anyone accidentally stepping on it, you'll also be protecting the species.
