Flesh-Eating Bacteria Turns Beach Trip Into Nightmare
A relaxing vacation to Topsail Beach in North Carolina turned into a terrifying ordeal for Greg Coleman, 53, after a seemingly minor cut on his thumb resulted in a serious infection.
A Simple Cut, a Dire Outcome
Coleman was attempting to build a wire strainer for his wife to use while searching for prehistoric shark teeth on the beach. During the process, he sustained several cuts and scrapes on his hands, but dismissed them as minor. Two days later, however, a small cut on his thumb began to swell and ache intensely.
Concerned, Coleman sought medical attention, initially through a virtual doctor’s visit. He was prescribed antibiotics, but his pain continued to worsen. He then visited an urgent care clinic for an injection and additional pills, only to find himself rushed to the emergency room just two days later.
Greg Coleman, 53, was at Topsail beach in North Carolina when he sustained a small cut on his thumb which steadily worsened
A Fight Against MRSA
Doctors suspected Coleman had a severe bacterial skin infection, likely MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This type of bacteria is particularly dangerous because it’s resistant to common antibiotics.
Coleman was placed on intravenous antibiotics, which eventually cleared most of the infection after a month. However, the bacteria had spread to his thumb bone, requiring another surgery to remove the infected tissue.
Now Mr Coleman says the wound is mostly healed, but he will be more careful next time he heads to the beach
The bacterial infection got into Mr Coleman’s thumb bone, so he had to have the tip removed
While Coleman’s thumb has mostly healed, he says he’ll be more cautious in the future. The experience has highlighted the potential dangers lurking in seemingly harmless places, including public beaches.
Stay Safe at the Beach:
- Shower before and after swimming in the ocean.
- Cover any open wounds with a bandage.
- Be mindful of sharp objects in the sand.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual pain or swelling after a beach visit.