Bristleworms and the skin

Coralgurl · #1 02-22-2013, 03:20 PM

Just wondering how soon you would notice if you've been stuck by a bristleworm? Are the bristles able to get right under the skin without noticing and what would the affects be?

I was scrubbing rocks on the weekend and did check for worms but something is going on that I noticed a bit earlier in the week and I'm not sure if it may be tank related.

ckmullin · #2 02-22-2013, 03:25 PM

Dunk that area in vinegar for a period. I've read that their spikes can be dissolved in doing so. I believe there should be an itching sensation. If it's swollen and looks red suggest to see a dr and it might be infected.

lastlight · #3 02-22-2013, 03:26 PM

i always notice right away it stings pretty good especially if you hit a big one. i've found the vinegar sorta works but some rubbing away at the area was needed to get them all out.

Coralgurl · #4 02-22-2013, 03:32 PM

I didn't see any bristles in my fingers at the time, but they are starting to swell, have bumps and are itchy, got really noticable on Wednesday.

Ugh, doctors....

ckmullin · #5 02-22-2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

I didn't see any bristles in my fingers at the time, but they are starting to swell, have bumps and are itchy, got really noticable on Wednesday.

Ugh, doctors....

I'd say go in and see one. Might be wise to print out a sheet about the worm and have that as you go in. Even something like the wiki page might help if the dr isn't a salthead.

Coralgurl · #6 02-22-2013, 04:22 PM

Can't get in until next week to see doc. Will hit a clinic if it continues to get worse. My one finger is swollen right to my palm and the other is just bumpy.

Haloreef · #7 02-22-2013, 04:26 PM

To remove the bristles I spread white Lepages wood glue over the area with the bristles and wait until the glue sets a bit and then peel it off slowly.
Works for me

ckmullin · #8 02-22-2013, 04:27 PM

Sorry to hear. Dunno if you want your private digits to be a guinea pig however might be of value to post a shot or two so others can see effects of a possible bristleworm jabbing.

Chief Hill · #9 02-22-2013, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haloreef

To remove the bristles I spread white Lepages wood glue over the area with the bristles and wait until the glue sets a bit and then peel it off slowly.
Works for me

± 1
Or good sticky tape.

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Coralgurl · #10 02-22-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckmullin

Sorry to hear. Dunno if you want your private digits to be a guinea pig however might be of value to post a shot or two so others can see effects of a possible bristleworm jabbing.

Don't think anything would show up in a pic, unless my hand swells more. The bumps are under the skin, on one finger they are white, the other red. The white ones are itchy, red ones swollen. My assistant says they almost looks like burn blisters, but deeper in the skin, not on the surface... I know I didn't burn myself.

For those of you who have had to remove the bristles, were there any side affects? I don't know if what is going on is due to working in my tank or something else as I did not have any bristles in my fingers at the time. That's why I asked if getting stuck by a bristleworm could go unnoticed.