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.
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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.
