Hot-Water Immersion (HWI) or Ice-Pack Treatment (IPT) as First Aid for Human Envenomation by Marine Animals? Review of Literature

• Published in: Toxins 2024-06, Vol.16 (6), p.273
• Main Authors: Niżnik, Łukasz, Jabłońska, Karolina, Orczyk, Michał, Orzechowska, Martyna, Jasińska, Judyta, Smoliniec, Barbara, Hućko, Agnieszka, Kosowicz, Piotr, Klocek, Anna, Słoma, Paweł, Roztoczyńska, Aleksandra, Toporowska-Kaźmierak, Joanna, Jurowski, Kamil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Aquatic habitats; Aquatic Organisms; Bites and Stings - therapy; Coastal zone; Coasts; Cold treatment; cold water; Cryotherapy - methods; First aid; First Aid - methods; Hot Temperature; hot-water immersion; Humans; ice packs; Immersion; Injuries; Literature reviews; Marine animals; marine envenomation; Marine organisms; Medical personnel; Organisms; Pain; Professionals; Review; Reviews; Submerging; Toxins; Venom; Water; Water immersion; Water treatment
• ISSN: 2072-6651; 2072-6651
• DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060273

Envenomation by marine animals poses a significant health concern globally, affecting both local residents and tourists in coastal regions. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate the existing scientific literature to determine the most effective first-aid treatment for envenomations caused by marine animals, specifically whether hot-water immersion (HWI) or ice-pack treatment (IPT) provides the best immediate care. This comprehensive review covers a wide range of marine envenomations, from jellyfish stings to stingray injuries. While our focus is primarily on the efficacy of HWI and IPT, we also explore the role of cold-water treatment as a result of its relevance and similarity to ice-pack applications. In addition, we examine other treatments mentioned in the literature, such as medications or vinegar, and highlight their findings where applicable. To provide a clear and structured overview, we summarised the articles in separate tables. These tables categorise the type of research conducted, the marine species studied, the region of origin of the marine species, and the key findings of each study. Our analysis of the available evidence indicates a general consensus in the scientific community on the effectiveness of HWI or IPT for envenomation by marine animals. However, when treating those injuries, it is crucial to consider all factors since there is no universally superior treatment due to the diverse nature of marine habitats.