(CS-017) Advancing Wound Care Knowledge through Online Health Communities (OHC): The 7th Day Stingray Wound Itch Syndrome

Jessica Bolhack, MPH – Health Consultant

Introduction:
For wounds caused by stingray lacerations or punctures, there are no references in the professional medical literature about the 7th Day Stingray Wound Itch Syndrome. Furthermore, once a patient travels away from the coast, the experience of healthcare professionals rapidly dwindles. There are many aspects of wound care that can be improved by the feedback and experience of the patient, especially as a community.

Methods:
Case Scenario
A patient sustained a stingray puncture along a Southern California beach. The wound was treated with irrigation and warm soaks and the pain resolved within hours. On Day 7, the patient experienced new onset itching, pain, and erythema at the site. The clinician recommended oral antibiotics and further testing if no improvement. The patient found an Online Health Community (OHC) on stingray wounds, specifically concerning the 7th Day Stingray Wound Itch Syndrome (associated with itching, new onset of pain, erythema, induration, without regional or systemic symptoms, typically 6-10 days after injury). Based on this information the patient chose to observe the wound and went on to full resolution without intervention.



Results:
Since 2013, there have been at least 55 patient reports of the 7th Day Stingray Wound Itch Syndrome shared in an Online Health Community (OHC) (https://doitcat.wordpress.com/2017/12/03/i-stepped-on-a-stingray-my-experience/). Patients describe their various treatments (observation, antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines, ice), workups (bloodwork, radiographs & ultrasounds), frustrations (clinician inexperience), and outcomes (none of the individuals treated with observation alone reported complications).

Discussion:
The Internet has become a critical medium for clinicians, public health practitioners, and laypeople seeking health information. OHCs in the form of blogs, chat rooms, and websites devoted to all forms of illness exist, and can influence the individual in their choice of intervention. These communities may help wound clinicians gain understanding and develop care protocols for uncommon pathologies.