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Some people find jellyfish fascinating, while for other people, they are just nasty sea creatures. Whatever you think of them, you probably know to stay away from jellyfish, as their stings can be extremely painful. The bites of some species can even be life threatening. Some cases require urgent medical attention, while other bites can be treated with some available means.
Below we list the symptoms of a jellyfish sting, and tell you about the types of jellyfish that you need to be wary of. Tips on what to do after you've been stung, and a few ways to avoid being bitten.
Symptoms caused by a jellyfish sting
Unless the bite is very severe, symptoms are usually limited to the area affected by the bite and include the following:
- burning, tingling, throbbing pain;
- red, purple, or brown spots on the affected area;
- itching;
- swelling.
If the symptoms do not appear all over the body, then such bites can be treated using simple general recommendations.
If the bite is severe, systemic (whole body) symptoms will be observed . They include the following:
- labored breathing;
- heart problems;
- abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
- headache;
- a rash that spreads quickly (and beyond the immediate affected area);
- muscle spasms and pain;
- dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion;
- loss of consciousness.
If there are such severe symptoms, emergency medical attention is needed . Also, you should seek help if the bite has affected your eyes or mouth.
What to do after a bite
If you do not have any symptoms all over your body, then treating the bite site will be sufficient. Here is what you should do:
- If you realize you've been stung, get out of the water.
- Wash the affected area with 50/50 vinegar diluted with water for 30 seconds or more.
- Carefully remove the tentacles with tweezers.
- After completing the first 3 steps, soak the affected area in warm plain water (45ºC) for 20-40 minutes.
first aid steps for jellyfish stings. Subsequently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and conventional ointments can manage the symptoms. If the bite has left an open wound, it is recommended to apply topical antibiotics and bandage the area to avoid infection.
If you have severe symptoms, you need emergency medical attention .
Means of protection
If you are stung by a Jellyfish, follow the procedure above. But do not use in the following as these remedies may not be effective or may even worsen your symptoms:
- urine;
- alcohol;
- soda;
- tight bandage;
- washing the bite site with fresh water;
- scraping the sting;
- rub with a towel.
The most dangerous types of jellyfish
Most species of jellyfish are unlikely to cause significant harm to humans. However, there are certain types of jellyfish whose bites can lead to more serious consequences. These include the following:
1. Jellyfish boxes
Their bites can cause severe pain and even life-threatening reactions. Types of jellyfish that can cause serious harm live in the Pacific and Indian oceans.
2. Portuguese military
These sea creatures live in warm seas.
3. Sea nettle
Sea nettles are most common along the northeast coast of the United States, especially in the Chesapeake Bay.
4. Jellyfish "lion's mane"
These jellyfish are the largest, the length of the dome reaches more than 2 meters in diameter. They live in the cool northern regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
How to reduce the risk of a jellyfish sting
To avoid being bitten, you can simply stay away from the ocean and sea water. To reduce your risk, you can do the following:
- do not touch the jellyfish that have been washed ashore, as they may still be alive and sting you;
- wear a wetsuit when swimming;
- stay out of the water during jellyfish season;
- before swimming in water where jellyfish may be present, learn about common species in the area;
- on the beach, look out for jellyfish warnings, if any.
author Women's Magazine