Jellyfish Sting

Beach season has begun and so has common beach medical problems. Here are some tips on jellyfish stings...

Jellyfish stings are common during the summer season especially for swimmers and divers. The tentacles have nematocysts which contain the venom that causes the painful stings.

The signs and symptoms include:
1. Intense pain at the site
2. Welts and blisters on the skin
3. Itchiness at the site
4. Burning sensation

The sting can be progressive and systemic with the following signs and symptoms:
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Diarrhea
7. Numbness and tingling
8. Headache and body aches
9. Dizziness
10. Muscle spasm
11. Fever
12. Trouble breathing

The skin rash/hives/welts/blisters typically last for several hours and then resolves.

If the pain is persistent or if the signs and symptoms worsen, get immediate medical attention. Be aware that jellyfish stings can cause anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment includes:
1. Rinse the area with vinegar for at least thirty minutes
2. An alternative is salt or sea water. Do not use fresh water...it causes more stinging!
3. Remove the tentacles with tweezers and make sure gloves are on
4. Apply shaving cream or baking soda paste to the area and then shave the area with a razor or anything with an edge (credit card) to remove the nematocysts
5. Immerse the area with hot water for thirty minutes
6. Apply ice for the pain after the area is cleaned
7. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain
8. If the sting is in the mouth, mouthwash with a concoction of 1/4 cup vinegar and 3/4 cup water
9. Do not rub the area!
10. There is no scientific evidence that urine, ammonia, meat tenderizer, sodium bicarbonate, boric acid, lemon juice, steroid cream, alcohol, papaya, or hydrogen peroxide will stop further stinging of the jellyfish.

Follow up with your health care professional. Obtain a tetanus booster if it isn't up to date.

One interesting fact is the one of the most venomous jellyfish sting comes from
the Box jellyfish (commonly found in the Pacific Ocean and in Australia).

Talk to your healthcare professional for more information. Have a safe and fun summer!