From the Research
For a laceration on the foot caused by seashells, it is recommended to seek medical attention and potentially receive IV antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin, with a typical course of 5-14 days depending on severity, as these antibiotics have shown efficacy against Vibrio species and other marine bacteria 1. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the wound, presence of infection, and specific bacteria involved.
- If infection is present, a healthcare provider might prescribe IV antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin to cover marine bacteria like Vibrio species.
- Before seeking medical care, clean the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage.
- Watch for signs of infection including increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, or fever. Seashell cuts can introduce unusual marine bacteria that require specific antibiotic coverage, which is why professional medical assessment is essential rather than self-medication. The study by 1 suggests that ciprofloxacin may be a better option than oral doxycycline when the intravenous form of doxycycline is unavailable, and that combination therapy with intraperitoneal doxycycline plus ceftriaxone may achieve a higher survival rate. It is also important to note that the use of ceftaroline, as mentioned in 2, may not be the best option for this specific type of infection, as its efficacy against Vibrio species is not well established. Similarly, the use of ceftobiprole, as mentioned in 3, may not be the best option, as its efficacy against Vibrio species is also not well established. Therefore, ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin are the recommended IV antibiotics for a laceration on the foot caused by seashells, due to their efficacy against Vibrio species and other marine bacteria 1.