Jellyfish Stings and Proper First Aid

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Jellyfish are dangerous aquatic animals that you must be careful of when swimming. Or diving in the ocean because almost all species of jellyfish have small venom sacs on their tentacles. If they come into contact with them, the poison will quickly enter the body. เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา Causing pain, swelling, and long red marks on the skin. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of a jellyfish sting?

Common symptoms of a jellyfish sting include severe burning pain, especially during the first hour, and itching or the presence of jellyfish tentacles on the skin in the area of ​​the sting. Severe cases of stinging may include weakness, nausea, headache, muscle pain, muscle twitching,  runny nose and watery eyes, profuse sweating, or chest pain.

The most common and potentially hazardous jellyfish to be stung by while swimming in the ocean are the common jellyfish, Portuguese mangrove jellyfish. And box jellyfish, each of which causes different symptoms, as follows:

True Jellyfish 

are less venomous than other types. The jellyfish in this group that people get stung the most is the fire jellyfish. It has a bell-shaped shape, can be as large as 1 meter and can have tentacles as long as 30 meters. When touched by the tentacles, the skin in that area will feel painful within a few minutes and a raised red rash that looks like a whip mark about 2-3 millimeters in size will appear. These symptoms usually subside after about 30 minutes. The red rash will start to subside within 1 hour, but will still leave a mark for several days before disappearing completely.

Portuguese Man-of- War jellyfish 

has a transparent sac that can be blue, pink or purple. It is about 10-30 centimeters in size and has tentacles that can be up to 30 meters long. It is more venomous than other jellyfish. Even after the tentacles of this jellyfish fall off, they are still venomous. If touched, it feels like being struck by lightning, causing pain, numbness, and burning. Some people may also experience nausea, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. A rash will develop in the area where it was touched. Which may subside within a few hours. However, it may later turn into a black mark or raised scar. If the symptoms are severe, it can be life-threatening.

Box jellyfish 

is a semi-transparent, bell-shaped jellyfish. It is the most poisonous jellyfish. When touched, it causes a raised, red rash on the skin, similar to being whipped. The pain lasts for several hours. If a large amount of poison is injected. The skin in that area may turn dark green, develop blisters, necrotic tissue, and subsequently become infected. In addition, if severely poisoned, it will cause an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and may cause death within minutes.

How to provide first aid after a jellyfish sting

If you find someone injured by a jellyfish sting, you can provide first aid by following these steps:

Remove the injured person from the water 

and keep him or her still to reduce the spread of jellyfish venom. If the injured person is unconscious, place him or her lying down and tilt his or her chin up to open the airway. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR  by clasping both hands and pressing down on the chest slightly above the sternum to help bring the injured person back to consciousness.

Clean the wound and remove the tentacles of the jellyfish. 

Use vinegar to pour over the area stung by jellyfish for at least 30 seconds to prevent the spread of poison. If vinegar is not available, soda water can be used instead, but it will be less effective. Do not wash with fresh water because it will spread the poison more. Then use a stick or other tool to clamp the tentacles out of the body. Do not rub with sand or scrape the skin in that area. Do not use bandages or plasters to cover the wound.

Relieve symptoms 

If stung by a mild jellyfish, you can relieve the pain by applying ice to the wound, taking painkillers, taking antihistamines, or applying hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and swelling. However, if the symptoms are severe, you should see a doctor immediately.

Observe symptoms. 

After being stung by a jellyfish, you should observe the symptoms for at least 45 minutes. If there is severe pain at the wound, headache, back or body pain, restlessness, confusion, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, heart palpitations, chest pain, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pale face, or the tips of the hands and feet turn dark blue, the patient should be rushed to the hospital immediately.

Jellyfish Sting Prevention

To prevent jellyfish stings while swimming in the sea, follow these guidelines:

  • Ask beach staff about the types of jellyfish found in the area and the number of people stung by jellyfish to assess the risk. Jellyfish are usually more common during the rainy season, and during peak jellyfish seasons, staff may announce a swimming ban.
  • Wear protective gear such as a full-body wetsuit or swimsuit and gloves when swimming or diving in areas where jellyfish may be found. Avoid picking up dead jellyfish with bare hands as you may come into contact with their poison. Also, be careful when swimming in the sea at night as this is the time when jellyfish tend to float to the surface.
  • Learn about first aid for jellyfish stings and bring a first aid kit with you every time you go to the beach.
  • If you see jellyfish floating above your head while diving, release the air from your oxygen tank to dislodge or disperse the jellyfish.
  • Avoid swimming in areas where jellyfish are abundant and avoid contact with other marine life as they may be as venomous as jellyfish.