First Aid For Cuts By Aquarium Broken Glasses

Cuts or scratches by an aquarium broken glasses are often common among the aquarium hobbyists and fish owners, either during cleaning the aquarium, exchanging water, feeding and reshaping the aquarium interior which may lead to aquarium glass cracks and cuts in either of the cases, which in severe cases may lead to laceration, abrasion and in extreme cases, avulsion.

Ok, What happens when you get cut by an aquarium broken glass?

Cuts or laceration by an aquarium broken glass will result in tearing or separation of skin, depending upon the force and depth of impact it may cause laceration, abrasion and in severe case avulsion. Since aquarium glass is involved, it may further add infection to the newly developed wound or pre-existing wounds.

So, How do we tackle the unprecedented act of self unawareness leading to cuts and Infections while working with aquarium glass materials? 

Here’s the First Aid for Cuts by an Aquarium Broken Glasses:

(if bleeding heavily and cut is deep, with larger embedded particles, seek professional help immediately)

Step 1: First, stop the bleeding by covering the wound with a bandage or clean cloth and apply gentle pressure while doing so, since glass particles might be embedded within the wounds.

Step 2: In order to apply dressing,first clean the wound with soap and water or antiseptic solution or spray. Any one of them will do fine.

Step 3: Wipe the area using cotton wool or gauze pads, even clean clothes will do fine. Area should be wiped in an outward direction, i.e away from the wound in order to prevent contamination of the wound with our own bodily secretion.

Step 4: If aquarium glass particles are still found to be embedded within the wounds and do not come out even after a gentle washing, do not attempt to remove the particles forcefully on your own. 

Step 5: Apply sterile dressing over the cuts such that they overlap the wound multiple times.

Can you get an infection from a fish tank?

Yes, an individual is susceptible to infection when in contact with aquarium content’s, irrespective of one’s state of well being. Recently 4 cases associated with freshwater aquarium infection have been reported of which 2 deaths have been recorded in the US alone. 

They were found to be suffering from Melioidosis, a rare type of infection caused by a bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei. 

How to protect yourself from aquarium associated infections?

Following are the steps to be followed prior to dealing with aquarium contents in order to get yourself protected from aquarium associated infections:

• Cover the pre-existing cuts or grazes with plasters prior to exposing yourself with aquarium contents.
• Put on a pair of disposable gloves protecting yourself from direct contact with aquarium contents.
• Underaged children and Immunocompromised individuals should not be involved in aquarium cleaning or in direct contact with aquariums.

Steps to be followed after dealing with aquarium contents:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly for 1 minute.
2. If itching, rashes or fever-like symptoms appears, seek medical help and avoid being near to your aquarium.

What are the complications of Cuts and grazes due to Aquarium broken glass?

1. It could lead to Organ damage.
2. If the cut is deep it can lead to nerve damage.
3. Can cause blood infection if hygiene is compromised.
4. Infection of pre-existing or present wound.

Seek doctor’s help immediately if any of the following sign is observed:

1. If you are concerned about your wound.
2. Sign of fever.
3. Site of injury is painful.
4. If redness around the wound edges is constantly spreading.
5. Prolonged swelling.
6. Difficulty in removing glass particles.
7. Difficulty moving injured areas.