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With summer just around the corner, the beach and pool season begins . Although in both cases the main objective is to enjoy the sun and heat to the fullest, on the beach you have to pay special attention to the jellyfish. They are animals that have irritating substances in their tentacles , so that their bite causes redness, inflammation, itching and pain.
In the vast majority of cases, the jellyfish sting occurs on the arms and legs . It is a very easy to identify injury; an erosion in the skin with several pustules around it, which causes great pain and itching locally.
In the vast majority of cases, it is a mild condition that does not go away. However, there are certain cases, especially in babies or people with cardiovascular disease, in which anaphylactic shock can occur due to an allergic reaction to the poison of the jellyfish.
Symptoms
The first symptom that occurs after a bite of this type is a great sensation of pain and intense itching in the affected area . This then becomes inflamed and red . On certain occasions, the tentacles can become attached to the skin.
As the minutes go by, symptoms very similar to those of a burn may develop . If the poison is distributed throughout the body, there are more serious warning signs such as difficulty breathing or muscle cramps; in this case, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.
What to do about a jellyfish sting?
The first symptoms of a jellyfish sting, as we have pointed out, are pain and itching in the area. Well, the most important thing is to act as quickly as possible; the steps to take are as follows.
- First of all, to prevent it from spreading, it is advisable to wash the area with plenty of salt water. In no case should you use fresh water because it reactivates the toxin and worsens the injury .
- Next, if there are any jellyfish tentacles attached, it is best to remove them using gloves.
- If there is vinegar on hand, you can apply a little as it helps the jellyfish loosen from the skin.
Severe pain lasts 30 to 60 minutes ; however, depending on the health of the victim, it can last up to seven hours.
There is an urban legend that urine is very effective in cleaning the wound and reducing the pain caused by a jellyfish sting.
Nothing more far from reality; urine has no effect on such a bite. In the same way, it is not advisable to use sand to rub and clean the wound since it only manages to spread the skin rash much more.
When faced with a jellyfish sting, it is best to go to the doctor to prescribe an ointment with antihistamines or corticosteroids; in this way, the lesion disappears after 48 hours.
How long does a jellyfish sting last?
The duration of the injury depends on a large selection of factors. On the one hand, the species of jellyfish, since there are some more toxic than others. On the other hand, the state of health of the victim and his age; the clinical picture may be more severe in the elderly and infants. And, finally, how fast or how fast the performance was before the bite.
In general, these lesions heal within three to four days after the bite . The area remains swollen and tender for about 72 hours, and then disappears completely.
If the duration of the jellyfish sting lasts longer, or if the affected person is a baby or a child, it is best to consult with the doctor.
Precautions to avoid
It is essential to heed the warnings below to treat an injury like this.
- As we have pointed out, one of the main symptoms of a jellyfish sting is pain and stinging . Still, it is important to avoid rubbing or scratching the area, either with a carving or with your hands.
- The best thing to do when faced with a jellyfish sting is to go to the aid station on the beach.
- In the case of pregnant women, it is essential to point out this condition to health professionals; During the gestation period, the application of ointments with cortisone or antihistamines is not recommended.
- Urine is not a good remedy for a jellyfish sting.
- And finally, remember that sometimes symptoms such as nervousness, headache or conjunctivitis may appear .
How to prevent jellyfish stings
Jellyfish are gelatinous invertebrate animals . In their most superficial layer they contain a set of cells that serve to capture food; in turn, these cells have small capsules inside, which contain a toxic liquid. The jellyfish float to the beaches and in the vast majority of cases the sting is due to accidental contact with them.
Thus, it is worth paying attention to a series of tips on how to avoid a jellyfish sting.
- Although at first glance they are very attractive animals, it is important not to catch the jellyfish with your hands as their sting can be dangerous.
- In the same way, it is important to monitor the appearance of these animals on the beach.
Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.