Walking
on a beach or swimming
in the ocean can be fun
and relaxing, but just
like any other activities,
accidents can happen.
Jellyfish
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.
Preventing Jellyfish
Stings
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Jellyfish
Stings Treatment: |
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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.
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Remove
the victim
from the water.
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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.
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Using protective
gloves or
forceps, remove
any tentacles
still in contact
with the victim.
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Apply acetic
acid 5% (white
vinegar).
This will
inactivate
undischarged
nematocysts
and the toxin
and will help
to decrease
symptoms.
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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.
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Source:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com
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The
Portuguese Man-of-War
Portuguese Man-of-War rarely
reach the colder waters of the
Mid-Atlantic, but sometimes
can be blown onto beaches after
a tropical storm such as a hurricane.
It can be recognized by its
bluish tint balloon-like shape.
Portuguese Man-of-War stings
occur when the stinging cells
on its tentacles touch your
skin, then release a poison
that can cause severe pain.
 They
float on the surface of the
water with their long, stinging
tentacles trailing in the water
below. Detached tentacles that
wash up on the beach may remain
dangerous for months.
In serious
cases the stings may cause cramps,
difficulty breathing, shock,
nausea or vomiting. Anyone who
is stung by the tentacles and
develops breathing difficulties
or generalized body swelling
should be transported to the
nearest emergency facility for
treatment. Use Ice packs to
help control the pain.
Portuguese
man-of-war stings produce immediate
burning pain and redness where
the tentacles touched the skin.
The affected area develops a
red line with small white lesions.
In severe cases, blisters and
welts that look like a string
of beads may appear. Stings
that involve the eye may cause
pain, swelling, excessive tears,
blurred vision, or increased
sensitivity to light. Severe
reactions are most likely to
occur in children and small
adults. Severe toxic reactions
to the venom can also occur. |
Nags
Head, NC
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