Jellyfish Sting

Jellyfish is an invertebrate that belongs to the class Scyphozoa. They can be found in every ocean in the world and in some fresh waters. The body of an adult jellyfish consists of a bell shape producing jelly and enclosing its internal structure, from which tentacles are suspended. Each tentacle is covered

Causes

Although most jellyfish stings are not deadly, some stings are really painful. Sting from the species of jellyfish called “box jellyfish” sometimes fatal. Serious stings can cause anaphylaxis and may result to death.

Any person stung by jellyfish must get out of the water to avoid drowning. Sometimes in serious cases, the only solution is to apply antivenin to avoid anaphylactic shock(strong allergic reaction).

The most serious sting is from the jellyfish species called Irukandji, which has the most potent and possesses deadly venom.

Treatment

Ice pack:
Applied to stop the spread of venom until either of these is available.

Baking Soda:
To remove the venom in the skin, apply a paste of baking soda and water and apply a cloth covering on the sting. If possible, reapply paste every 15-20 minutes.

Vinegar:
Apply in the affected area

In the case of stings on or around the eyes, vinegar may be placed on a towel and dabbed around the eyes, but not in them. Salt water can be used if vinegar is not readily available.

Fresh water should not be used if the sting occurred in salt water, any change in pH level can cause the release of additional venom.

Rubbing the wound, using alcohol, spirits, ammonia, or urine must be avoided since it encourages the release of venom.

Once deactivated, the stinging cells must be removed. This can be accomplished by picking off tentacles left on the body.

If Serious Cases, be sure to call in a medical professional to ensure the safety of the stung person

Any first aid providers should be careful to use gloves or another readily available barrier device to prevent personal injury, and to follow standard universal precautions. After large pieces of the jellyfish are removed, shaving cream may be applied to the area and a knife-edge, safety razor, or credit card may be used to take away any remaining nematocysts.