The dangers of a jellyfish sting, symptoms and first aid measures

Jellyfish sting is a common and painful experience for beach-goers. These aquatic creatures can be found in almost every ocean and are known for their beautiful and delicate appearance. However, despite their stunning looks, jellyfish can be incredibly dangerous and their stings have the potential to cause severe pain and even life-threatening reactions in some cases. 

This is the reason why it is important to be educated on the causes, symptoms, and risks of jellyfish stings. And you are on the right page ‘cause we will be exploring everything you need to know about jellyfish stings. Plus, we will also share some first aid treatment that you can follow in case of emergency.

Jellyfish sting

Jellyfish stings are a common encounter for swimmers and beach-goers. These are caused by contact with the tentacles of certain species of jellyfish. The species' tentacles contain stingers, which are tiny capsules filled with venomous toxins. The venom can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms that may vary depending on the species of jellyfish.

Touching a jellyfish's body, including its bell or head, doesn't usually cause stings. However, tentacles can be broken off and remain potent for days. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of jellyfish stings to take the necessary actions immediately.

Symptoms of a jellyfish sting

The immediate symptoms of a jellyfish sting can include the following:

• Pain
• Redness
• Itching
• Blisters
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Head and muscle ache
• Swelling
• Difficulty breathing

Risks of a jellyfish sting

Here are some of the risks associated with jellyfish stings:

1. Risk of death: Some jellyfish stings can be fatal, depending on the type of jellyfish. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stings from some box jellyfish can kill a person within minutes, while other box jellyfish stings can cause a fatal reaction 4 to 48 hours after a sting. This is due to Irukandji syndrome.
2. Quick escalation of symptoms: Jellyfish sting symptoms, especially from more dangerous species, can escalate quickly.

First aid treatment

If you are stung by a jellyfish, here are some of the steps you can take before medical help arrives:

1. Rinse the affected area with vinegar to neutralize the toxins, then remove any tentacles with tweezers or a credit card.
2. If vinegar is not available, seawater can be used to rinse the affected area, but freshwater should be avoided as it can cause the release of more toxins.
3. After the tentacles have been removed, it can be helpful to soak the affected area in vinegar or saltwater to neutralize the remaining stinging cells.
4. This can be followed by applying a hot compress or taking an oral pain relief medication, as recommended by a medical professional.

Hence, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, especially if you are experiencing severe symptoms.

While the sting of a jellyfish can be painful and potentially dangerous, it is important to take the necessary precautions when swimming in areas where jellyfish are present. By being educated and prepared, we can safely enjoy our time in the water while minimizing the risk of jellyfish stings.