Holiday Horror Stories: Sea Urchin Injuries adn Parasitic Infections on the Rise

A new video series, “About Health Over Coffee,” hosted by journalist Katarzyna Prus on the Abczdrów portal, is shedding light on the unexpected health risks travelers face. The series features medical experts and patient stories, offering a unique and informative viewpoint on common and unusual ailments.

in the latest episode, Dr. Karolina Pyziak-Kowalska, a specialist in infectious diseases, liver and travel medicine, revealed a surge in patients returning from vacations with unusual injuries and infections. She recounted the case of a woman who suffered multiple puncture wounds after being thrown against rocks by waves in Croatia.

“The waves threw her into the rock, there were sealed people. She had numerous kicks,” Dr. Pyziak-Kowalska explained,noting that sea urchin spines are incredibly fragile and often break off in the skin. The patient developed a purulent infection due to the embedded fragments,requiring surgical removal under ultrasound guidance.

Exotic Destinations, Hidden Dangers

Dr. Pyziak-Kowalska also issued a warning about the risks associated with travel to exotic locations,specifically highlighting Zanzibar.The island faces a significant problem with stray dogs, and their feces can harbor dangerous parasites that cause cutaneous larva migrans – a skin infection.

“We can come back with such a souvenir that such a larva will come in.Will drill the corridors under the skin – on the feet, buttocks, stomach,” she warned, explaining that the parasite’s activity is often visible to the naked eye. She emphasized that patients frequently enough present with widespread infestations due to seemingly harmless behaviors like lying on the stomach for photos or sitting directly on the sand without a towel.

Dr. Pyziak-Kowalska stressed the importance of preventative measures and shared advice on how to protect oneself from these unwanted holiday souvenirs.

Watch the full video to learn more about these travel health risks and how to stay safe on your next vacation.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.