Full Question:
My husband has many cuts and scratches from lobster fishing in the florida keys. He had to be admited to the hospital for erratic blood pressure and head aches. His one eye, head and hands are swollen. I was wondering if humans can contract an infection or have a reaction from the spiny lobster that can have adverse health issues. My husband is physically active and healthy. Have you heard of any cases of "lobster poison" in humans.

Answer:

What you have described looks like an allergic reaction. Shellfish in general can sometimes cause allergic reactions that vary from mild to severe. I do not know of any lobster poisoning, other than those due to bacterial contamination (under-cooked, or bad handling during processing or cooking). I think the Florida Health department would have more info on contact allergic reaction with lobster. We have a colleague and friend who have been at AVC and is also a potential resource person to address this illness question. Please feel free to contact him for more information.

Answer:

The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction. You should consult your family doctor.

Full Question:
I was cutting lobster for a local fest on Sunday. It now appears that I have what looks to be dark brown slivers under my skin. There is smallcuts scrapes on my hand given off from the lobster. It is painfull to do any work with my hands. It burns, feels raw, extremely red all over my hands especially the spots that have the small cuts and slivers. My friend mentioned that it was the lobsters defence and those are poisons given off from the spine. It is even difficult to type but I need to know.

Answer:

I think that you should see a Doctor. It may be an allergic reaction but could also be an infection due to the fact that you have "penetrating" wounds from the spines and therefore this could carry bacteria under the skin into nice little pockets to set up the infection.