Walking on
a beach or swimming in the ocean
can be fun and relaxing, but
just like any other activities,
accidents can happen.
But jellyfish
are often present in coastal
waters, having been brought
ashore by winds or ocean currents.
They are most common in warm
ocean waters, especially along
the Atlantic coast of the United
States. Stings result from contact
with the tentacles, which trail
from the jellyfish's see-through
body. Jellyfish swimming in
the water are often hard to
see. Beached jellyfish (right),
can sting if touched.
Fortunately,
most jellyfish stings are not
severe. Jellyfish stings cause
immediate, intense pain and
burning that can last for several
hours. Raised, red welts develop
along the site of the sting,
often in a whiplike fashion,
and may last for 1 to 2 weeks.
Itchy skin rashes may appear
1 to 4 weeks after the sting.
Extensive stings, allergic reactions,
or severe toxic reactions are
not common but do occur.
Prevent Jellyfish
Stings
Safe Sea Sunblock
with Jellyfish Sting Protective
Lotion is clinically
proven to help protect the exposed
skin of bathers, divers, and
surfers from the stings of jellyfish,
fire coral, and many other types
of venomous stinging marine
life. Now you can protect yourself
from stings while using a high
quality sunblock. This amazing
product is a real breakthrough
in Protection gels for protection
against the stings of jellyfish
and sea lice. Website:http://www.buysafesea.com
Treating
Jellyfish Stings
•
Protect
rescuers from contact
with the jellyfish or
jellyfish tentacles. All
rescuers should consider
protective clothing and
gloves in order to protect
themselves so they can
better rescue and treat
the victim.
•
Remove the victim from
the water.
•
Rinse the affected
area with salt water or
don’t rinse it at
all. Do not rinse the
involved area of skin
with fresh water, because
it will further activate
nematocysts and worsen
the reaction.
•
Using protective gloves
or forceps, remove any
tentacles still in contact
with the victim.
•
Apply acetic acid 5%
(white vinegar). This
will inactivate undischarged
nematocysts and the toxin
and will help to decrease
symptoms.
•
Use over-the-counter
pain medications such
as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
to control pain symptoms.
Immobilize the area that
was poisoned to prevent
further spread. For example,
if a foot was stung, encourage
the victim to keep the
area still with as little
movement as possible.
Photo
Gallery
