What to do if stung by a jellyfish

How jellyfish sting

Jellyfish do not hunt humans. You can get hurt if you touch them.

In the tentacles of jellyfish are small capsules - nematocysts, inside which areJellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic jagged threads or tubes with poison. When you touch the animal, the capsule wall reacts and lets in calcium ions. Inside, the pressure rises - and the threads, like tiny darts, shoot at the victim. This process takes a fraction of a second.

Interestingly, nematocysts can react to touch even if the jellyfish is already dead.

Which jellyfish stings are dangerous

Most jellyfish stings are harmless. But there are species whose poison deadly.

box jellyfish

This is a class that also includes Irukandji jellyfish - the smallest and deadliest in the world: they cause the syndrome of the same name. Mostly inhabitJellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans.

lion's mane

These are the largest jellyfish in the world: their body diameter is more than 1 m. MeetJellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic in cool areas of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Arctic.

sea ​​nettle

These jellyfish commonJellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic in both warm and cool waters along the northeast coast of the United States.

Portuguese warship

This is not exactly a jellyfish, but a colony of small jellyfish. Above the water they have a gas-filled bubble that acts like a sail, and in the water they have long tentacles with poison capsules. inhabitJellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic Physalia physalis in the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans and the Caribbean.

What can be dangerous jellyfish stings

Forecast dependsJellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic from the type of jellyfish. The venom of some causes only minor pain and burning. Others can kill in minutes.

Sometimes there is a delayed reaction - Irukandji syndrome. It develops after 4-48 hours, leads to spasms of muscles and blood vessels and is life-threatening due to disruption hearts.

How to understand that a jellyfish has stung

At the moment you bite feelJellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic itching and burning stinging or throbbing pain that may radiate to the limbs. On the skin, you can notice a red-brown or purple imprint and swelling.

Also, immediately or after some time may appear:

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
• headache;
• pain and spasms in the muscles;
• weakness, drowsiness, confusion up to fainting;
• difficulty breathing;
• interruptions in heart rate.

When to see a doctor if stung by a jellyfish

callJellyfish and other sea creature stings / NHS ambulance if you:

• difficulty breathing;
• convulsions;
• chest pain;
• heavy bleeding;
• massive swelling of the affected area;
• vomit;
• dizziness;
• loss of consciousness.

Seek medical attention if you have been stung in the face or genitals, or if you feel severe pain that does not decrease. Also go to a therapist if the bite site continuesJellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic itch after a few weeks.

What can you do yourself if stung by a jellyfish

Doctors advise 1. Jellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic
2. Jellyfish and other sea creature stings / NHS
3. Jellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic
4. Jellyfish stings / Mount Sinai act like this:

1. Remove any remaining tentacles with tweezers or a credit card.
2. Place the burned area in hot, but not scalding, water for 20-45 minutes.
3. If you can't stand itching, apply calamine lotion or steroid cream.

There is no consensus on whether it is worth rinsing with vinegar to protect against the triggering of unopened nematocysts. But this definitely cannot be done with a burn by a Portuguese boat.

What not to do if stung by a jellyfish

You probably remember what you did Chandlerwhen Monica was stung by a jellyfish. In fact urinate 1. Jellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic
2. Jellyfish and other sea creature stings / NHS no need for a burn - the pain may even intensify.

Besides, no needJellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic:

• scraping off the remains of tentacles, rubbing or scratching the skin;
• wash the burn with fresh or salt water;
• apply ice or a cold compress;
• use a pressure bandage;
• water the affected area with alcohol or ammonia.

When will the sting of the jellyfish pass?

Usually traces of contact disappearJellyfish Sting / Cleveland Clinic during few hours. But sometimes a rash appears that will go away for several weeks and leave a scar.

How to protect yourself from jellyfish

If you are going on a trip, take careJellyfish stings / Mayo Clinic about prevention:

• Talk to lifeguards or locals before swimming or diving in coastal waters.
• Don't sunbathe on the beach or swim during jellyfish season.
• If there are jellyfish in the water, and to swim If you want, put on a protective suit and shoes.