Contents:
Medical Video: How does a jellyfish sting? - Neosha S Kashef
- Definition
What is a jellyfish sting?
Jellyfish have long, thorny tentacles (the thorny part is called nematosis). The tentacle fragments stranded on the beach after a storm can still cause sharp stings
What are the signs and symptoms?
The sting of this creature produces reddish lines and burning sensation of pain. Sometimes they cause symptoms of weakness, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Sea anemones (sea nettles) cause the same local reaction for 24 to 48 hours.
- How to overcome
What should I do?
Kikis every tentacle that stings the skin with the edge of the card or knife. Do not rub the area because it can trigger nematosis. Be careful to protect your hands, because the sting can even penetrate the glove. Rinse the wound with sea water.
Neutralize poisons by sticking to the cloth with vinegar continuously for 30 minutes. Apply 1 percent hydrocortisone cream (does not require a prescription) 4 times a day for several days to reduce itching.
When do I have to see a doctor?
See a doctor immediately if you or your child is stung by a jellyfish.
- Prevention
Observe the warning signs on the beach. Warning signs will often be installed after sightings of a group of jellyfish seen near the coastline. If you are stung by a sea creature, you will usually need immediate first aid or, in severe cases, contact the ambulance.
Don't touch or play with sea creatures that can sting. Avoid touching jellyfish stranded on the beach because their tentacles can sting even when they are dead.
Wear protective clothing like wetsuit or waterproof shoes. Weever fish, stingrays and sea urchins are often found in shallow waters, so wearing rubber-soled shoes or sandals will help protect your feet in shallow or rocky areas. Wearing a wetsuit will help protect yourself against jellyfish stings if you swim in deeper water for a long time.
Shake your feet before each step, as you walk in shallow water. This will help disrupt and scare every stinging sea creature that you might encounter in the middle of your trip, leaving them to step aside.
Be careful when walking in rocky areas or near seaweed - sea urchins are often found in shallow rocky areas such as rock pools.
