Jellyfish are translucent animals which are swept towards the coastlines during spring and summer. Their tentacles contain Sting-causing cells which are activated upon contact and inject a venom which causes a painful, burning sensation.
One should never touch a jellyfish -or even fragments of one- with bare hands, even if it is dead.
The pain resulting of the Sting of a jellyfish is very similar to that of being burned. One must respond very quickly:
- Not scratch or rub the area of the Sting.
- Remove the remains of any tentacles from the skin with tweezers or gloves.
- Rinse the wound with salty water. Never use fresh water, since this activates the cells containing the venom.
- Fill a plastic bag with ice and place it over the wound during 10 minutes. Ice made of fresh water must never be placed directly on the skin.
- Treat the wound with iodized alcohol 3 or 4 times a day during 48 or 72 hours.
- If the discomfort continues or causes tremors, nausea, dizziness or intense pain, one must go to a health centre.
ASSSA Medical Services
The information published in this media neither substitutes nor complements in any way the direct supervision of a doctor, his diagnosis or the treatment that he may prescribe. It should also not be used for self-diagnosis.
The exclusive responsibility for the use of this service lies with the reader.
ASSSA advises you to always consult your doctor about any issue concerning your health
