We discuss a case of tropical marine envenomation from an unidentified marine creature via a penetrating injury to the left ring finger resulting in localised tissue necrosis. We present an evidence-based review of marine puncture wounds including first aid, hot water immersion therapy, antibiotic selection and definitive management.
Infections arising from soft tissue puncture wounds in marine environments can be difficult to manage and may result in substantial tissue injury, particularly where the injury involves cytotoxic envenomation from a marine creature. We report a case of a puncture wound suspected to arise from a marine creature interaction with probable cytotoxic venom introduction and discuss some of the important clinical
principles it illustrates.