It happens in a flash – you’re prepping shrimp or prawns and suddenly feel the sharp poke of an errant antenna or leg. Before you know it, you’ve been pricked by one of those spine-like projections. While not pleasant, getting pricked by a prawn is usually harmless. However, it’s smart to take proper precautions to avoid infection
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know after getting pricked by a prawn, including
- Assessing the Wound
- Disinfecting the Area
- Watching for Signs of Infection
- Treating a Minor Infection
- Preventing Future Prawn Pokes
- Safe Prawn Handling Tips
Arm yourself with this advice, and you can respond appropriately if pricked by a prawn. Let’s get to it!
Assessing the Wound
First things first – check out the poke site. Prawn pricks are often shallow and minor, but still examine the area closely.
-
Is it actively bleeding or just a surface nick?
-
How deep and wide is it? Any visible puncture?
-
Is the skin broken or intact overall?
-
Is swelling or redness already emerging?
Gauge whether it’s a minor surface wound or deeper puncture. This will determine your next steps.
Disinfecting the Poke Site
Regardless of depth, thoroughly clean the prick site to avoid infection.
-
Wash hands and prick area with antibacterial soap and warm water.
-
Apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to the site.
-
Cover with a bandage if needed to keep clean.
-
Repeat washing/ointment application over the next 24 hours.
Proper disinfection removes bacteria on the prawn spine that could cause infection.
Watching for Signs of Infection
Monitor the prick site over the next several days for signs of infection:
-
Expanding redness, swelling and warmth at the site
-
Pus or cloudy discharge
-
Intensifying pain and throbbing
-
Red streaks radiating from the wound
-
Fever, nausea, dizziness
See a doctor promptly if any infection symptoms appear and persist or worsen.
Treating a Minor Infection
Mild infections limited to the prick site may be treatable at home:
-
Apply warm compresses to the area to draw out pus and fluid.
-
Further cleanse the site daily with antibacterial soap.
-
Apply antibiotic ointment 2-3x daily.
-
Take OTC pain relievers for pain/swelling.
-
If no improvement in 2-3 days, seek medical treatment.
More serious infections require professional medical attention.
Preventing Future Prawn Pokes
You can take steps to avoid prawn pricks down the road:
-
Wear puncture-proof gloves when prepping prawns.
-
Work slowly and carefully when shelling prawns.
-
Use tweezers or toothpicks to peel prawns.
-
Rinse prawns thoroughly before peeling.
-
Keep first aid supplies handy just in case.
Safe Prawn Handling Tips
Follow these tips to safely handle prawns:
-
Thaw frozen prawns gradually in the fridge overnight. Don’t force thaw.
-
Peel prawns before cooking instead of after.
-
Use a sharp knife and cut close to the torso when deveining.
-
Rinse prawns before and after peeling to remove debris.
-
Discard any prawns with black spots or an unusual odor.
What to Do When Pricked by a Prawn
From disinfection to infection prevention, now you know how to respond to prawn pricks. Be prepared, work carefully, and handle prawns safely. Before you know it, you’ll be spared from pricks and enjoying delicious shrimp and prawn dishes. Just remember these key points:
-
Cleanse the prick site thoroughly with soap and water
-
Apply antibiotic ointment and monitor for infection
-
See a doctor for worsening wounds or serious infections
-
Prevent future pricks through safe handling and preparation
With this knowledge, you can react appropriately if ever pricked by a prawn again!
Big Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Shrimp
FAQ
What to do if I accidentally ate raw shrimp?
Do shrimp have stingers?
Can you be allergic to raw shrimp but not cooked shrimp?
What are the signs of spoiled prawns?
How do you keep prawns from cooking?
Plunge prawns into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. As soon as they come off, drain the hot water and plunge the prawns in a cold water keep them from cooking. You can use that water as the base of a soup stock if you want to save it. Serve the prawns chilled.
How do you eat cooked prawns?
Just add cooked prawns. Try these ideas for impressive salads, starters, pasta, steak and sandwiches. Place shredded iceberg lettuce leaves on a plate. Top with coarsely chopped avocado and peeled cooked prawns. Drizzle over bought seafood sauce. Combine finely grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl.
How do you cook prawns in a frying pan?
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. If cooking a lot of prawns, add enough butter to cover the bottom. You should have enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, but you don’t need the prawns to be covered. Add any flavors or aromatics.
How do you separate frozen prawns?
Strain them and squeeze out the excess water. My super fast, it’s emergency method is to place them in a colander and run them under cold running water, using your hands to separate the frozen prawns from each other. Squeeze out the excess water.