What should I do if my hand is swollen after being pricked by a crab?
If a hand is punctured by a crab and becomes swollen, it is generally necessary to promptly clean the wound, disinfect the area, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling, monitor the wound condition, and seek medical treatment when necessary. Specific measures are as follows:

1. Prompt wound cleaning: After being punctured by a crab, immediately rinse the wound with running water to remove surface dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection and preparing for further treatment.
2. Local disinfection: After cleaning, use iodine or alcohol to disinfect the wound and surrounding skin. The disinfected area should extend beyond the wound itself to prevent bacteria from entering through adjacent skin.
3. Cold compress to reduce swelling: If significant swelling occurs, apply a cold compress using a clean towel wrapped around an ice pack. Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time, repeating every 1–2 hours. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
4. Monitor wound condition: Closely observe whether signs such as increased redness or swelling, worsening pain, increased discharge, or fever develop—these may indicate infection and require prompt intervention.
5. Seek medical care when necessary: If signs of severe infection appear, or if the puncture wound is deep or contains residual foreign matter, seek immediate medical attention for professional evaluation and treatment.
When handling seafood in daily life, protective measures such as wearing thick gloves should be taken to avoid injury. Even after proper first aid, remain vigilant and seek medical help promptly if any discomfort arises.