Emergency what happened to my hand

[jrill]

You cut your finger. It hurts. You'll be fine.

 

[DavidinGA]

Update, it’s not palytoxin fortunately but it Is a nasty infection. They’re putting me on 3 antibiotics. I went into the ER this morning because the redness had spread and it’s so swollen I can’t move it. Photos were taken maybe a couple hours apart this morning

You should definitely wear gloves at all times in the future if they say you need 3 antibiotics for that. I assume you have some autoimmune disease?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Update, it’s not palytoxin fortunately but it Is a nasty infection. They’re putting me on 3 antibiotics. I went into the ER this morning because the redness had spread and it’s so swollen I can’t move it. Photos were taken maybe a couple hours apart this morning

How are you doing?

 

[Rmckoy]

What is actually in our tanks and how our bodies react to close contact varies from one person to another .
For the future always wear gloves

 

[sfin52]

I'm so glad you got an answer! I would venture to say that almost everyone has put their hands in the tank while having a small cut, but as you've discovered, there are lots of nasties in aquarium water. Some people could practically bathe in it with zero problems while others are going to be more susceptible to things, even allergic in some cases.

From now on, at least while at work, you should plan to wear gloves if putting your hands in the tank(s). It's an inconvenience for sure, but since you do have an infection, you know you're susceptible and even after the infection has cleared up, it's a good idea not to chance reinfection.

Someone mentioned this before, but you should definitely talk to your employer about what happened. As a small business owner, it's likely there's no worker's comp coverage, but they can at least provide you with the necessary supplies (gloves, etc) to keep you safe going forward.

Every small business should have have it but doesn't mean they do.

 

[sfin52]

You cut your finger. It hurts. You'll be fine.

Did you read the thread. He ended up with a rather nasty infection and is on multiple antibiotics

 

[GobyGuy]

Not sure if you’ll keep replying tot his as you’ve got your treatment but did you grow up in an area that permitted frequent beach / saltwater visits? Wondering how much of it is a tolerance that’s built up vs OP getting an actual bug from somethint

 

[ABQ_CHRIS]

Thanks for sharing OP. I hope that you're on the mend.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I think people that do not get injured often tend to have weakened immune systems to injuries. Not to be mean at all but look at his hands. My hands haven't been that clean since I was child. I've wrenched for 38 years and get cut several times a week, sometimes several times a day. My head is just a bunch of scars. I'm bald so I don't have any sensors and am always busting my head open hitting on the lift or bottom of a car. I typically don't wash the wounds, but I just wipe the blood off and keep working. The other guys in my shop are about the same. We don't get infections, or if we do we just let them run their course and eventually they heal. The only time medical attention is needed is when the bleeding won't stop and we need to get stitched up. I think the old saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" really is true. These are just my opinions and not meant to encourage anyone not to seek medical attention if they feel the need. The old saying "better safe than sorry" is also true. Yes us old guys are full of sayings like that.
Edit: I forgot, I do let my dogs lick my injuries. Not sure if that counts as medical attention or not but it feels good

---

And crazy glue is not just for fragging... !!! crazy glue and masking tape, mechanic's best friend!
I wear nitrile gloves not for myself but for my tanks...LOL, Side effect my chemical eczema on my hands has cleared up.
But everything you said is not how it should be. There is a difference between between people that "work" for a living and others.
Can you imagine the phrase? "That frozen bolt and busted knuckle seemed to cause you a trauma. why don't you take a few paid days off to recover and make an appointment with a counselor to talk about it."
In reality, that is how it should be... but we all know better. LOL

 

[NEM Aquatics]

You cut your finger. It hurts. You'll be fine.

Pretty ignorant comment and not really helpful. I would've expected better from a fellow reefer to be honest. I recently had the same type of issue, from a bristleworm, on the same finger. Just because you've never dealt with it does not mean others haven't.

For the OP, it was most likely Mycobacterium of some sort. Urgent Care and most doctors are completely useless when it comes to saltwater tank injuries and infections, so I don't blame you for using this forum for advice.

 

[MaxTremors]

The more photos I look at the more concerned I become. I can sort of psych myself into symptoms so the mild chest discomfort I’m feeling I think is more likely anxiety, but when I thought it was just a cut the burn concerned me. I’m not sure which part of the rock I hit but it was close to some palys (I think they’re palys, they’re on the larger end compared to zoas usually. They’re yellow and blue). If it is palytoxin what should I do?

I think you’re likely being a hypochondriac (I am too, so I get it). It looks to me just like normal redness and swelling, puncture wounds on the finger can be painful and swell up a lot, especially on the knuckle. If it swells up more than it is already, feels hot, has red streaking, or if you just want some peace of mind, go to the ER or QuickCare, but I’m guessing you’re probably fine. Palytoxin presents as flu like symptoms, and a Rabbitfish sting would be more obvious. One thing you do want to watch out for is infection, our tanks are full of bacteria.

Edit: man I really need to look at dates before responding, lol.