About this topic
Jellyfish are sea creatures that live most often in salt water. They have jelly-like, see-through bodies. They also have long finger like structures called tentacles that hang from their bodies. Jellyfish have stinging cells in their tentacles. When you touch the stinging cells you may come in contact with the poison they use to catch their food. The poison may hurt you. ‚
You can get a jellyfish sting on accident when you swim or wade into them. You can also get stung by handling a jellyfish. Many kinds of marine life can cause stings like: ‚
- Portuguese man-of-war
- Sea nettle
- Sea wasp or box jellyfish ¢ ˆ ’ This is the most toxic jellyfish
- True jellyfish ¢ ˆ ’ This is the most common jellyfish found in the ocean
- Sea anemones and corals
What are the causes?
- Jellyfish stings are caused by the poison from the tentacles of a jellyfish.
- A sting happens when you come in contact with a jellyfishs tentacles.
What can make this more likely to happen?
When you swim or wade in water where there are a lot of jellyfish. ‚
What are the main signs?
Your signs will depend on what kind of jellyfish has stung you. Most stings have signs like: ‚
- Mild skin rash with a swollen, raised area of skin
- Stinging or burning pain
- Itching
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Loose stools
- Belly pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle spasms
- Trouble breathing
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
There are no special tests to find out if you have a jellyfish sting. Your doctor will ask if you had recent contact with jellyfish. The doctor will: ‚
- Look for skin rashes or blisters
- Check your breathing
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Most jellyfish stings can be treated with supplies from home. This includes things like: ‚
- Cover the sting with shaving cream and scrape it off to remove the other tentacles. Use something plastic like a credit card to scrape off the shaving cream.
- After removing the tentacles, place the area in very warm water or take a warm shower for 20 minutes. Take care so the water is very warm, but not so hot as to burn the skin.
- Never wash the area with cool water or pour urine on it. Do not rub the affected skin with sand.
- See your doctor right away to check your skin to avoid more problems.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Ease itching
- Flush away poison from your eyes if you were stung near your face
Will there be any other care needed?
- Do not rub the area. This will make the sting worse.
- Sometimes, you may need to seek medical care right away. Do this if you have:
- Problems breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of lips or tongue
- Very bad pain
- Feel dizzy
- A sting in the eye or mouth
- Take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Learn about jellyfish. Learn where they most often like to live. This will help you avoid swimming or going in the ocean during jellyfish season.
- Get out of the water if you see jellyfish. Do not handle dead jellyfish.
- Wear a wet suit or water shoes when you swim in lakes or oceans where there are jellyfish.
- Always bring a first aid kit when you swim in places where there may be jellyfish.
- Be careful when you swim, snorkel, or dive at night. Look for jellyfish on the top of the water before you get in.
- If you see tentacles on you, do not panic. The jellyfish may wrap its tentacles around you. Do not pick them up with your bare hands. Use a towel or stick to pick them away. Rinse the area with salt or sea water.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stings-marine-creatures/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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