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Jellyfish Sting 101: How to Treat and Avoid These Painful Encounters

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Jellyfish are fascinating creatures, with their translucent, jelly-like bodies and graceful movements. But don’t let their beauty fool you—those long, flowing tentacles come equipped with stinging cells that can seriously ruin your beach day.

Jellyfish Warning: A Rapid Increase

If you’ve been heading to the beach, you may have noticed way more jellyfish than usual. It’s no coincidence that they’re popping up all over the coastline. The rising sea temperatures, thanks to prolonged heatwaves, have caused a jellyfish boom. One of the main culprits? The Nomura’s jellyfish—armed with 52 different toxins!

Why Do Jellyfish Attack?

Jellyfish are plankton animals with minimal mobility. They cannot swim actively and mainly drift with the ocean currents. As a result, when they encounter humans, they can’t escape. Instead, they rely on their defense mechanism, which involves stinging with specialized nematocyst cells to deter threats. This is why they may seem to attack when people get too close.

Jellyfish Tentacles with Their Stinging Cells

The tentacles of jellyfish contain hundreds of specialized stinging cells. Each cell has a coiled dart filled with venom. When the trigger at the tip of the stinging cell touches the skin, the dart fires, penetrating the skin. This direct contact can cause immediate and intense pain, as the venom stimulates the nervous system, leading to a stinging sensation that can worsen over time.

What Happens If You Get Stung by a Jellyfish?

If stung by a jellyfish, the affected skin may swell, sting, and develop red welts, often leaving whip-like scars. The venom can also impact the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, muscle paralysis, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Rarely, Systemic Reactions May Occur 

In rare cases, a jellyfish sting can trigger severe systemic reactions. The toxins may cause nausea and vomiting and can lead to fluctuations in heart rate—either speeding up or slowing down. Also, severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can occur, necessitating immediate emergency treatment. 

The Importance of First Aid

If you are stung by a jellyfish, move to a safe area to avoid further stings. To alleviate pain and swelling, apply an ice pack, ensuring it’s wrapped in a towel and not placed directly on the skin. Symptoms can vary among individuals, so closely monitor the situation while administering first aid.

Dead Jellyfish Can Be Dangerous

Even dead jellyfish can release stingers upon contact. Therefore, avoid touching any dead jellyfish you see on the beach. During peak jellyfish seasons, avoiding swimming or engaging in water activities is wise. If you must enter the water, consider wearing protective gear or water shoes to reduce the risk of stings.

Rinse with Seawater

If stung, rinse the affected area with flowing seawater. Avoid freshwater, as it can trigger the release of more toxins. Seawater effectively removes residual toxins from the tentacles and minimizes skin irritation. It’s crucial to thoroughly wash the area to eliminate any remaining tentacles and toxins.

Removing Stingers

When dealing with jellyfish tentacles, it’s best to use gloves to gently remove them from the stung area instead of bare hands. After removing the tentacles, eliminate any remaining stingers by applying shaving cream or baking soda to help clump them together, then gently scrape them off with a razor or a credit card for easy removal.

Avoid Using Vinegar

Some people swear by vinegar for jellyfish stings, but it’s not always a good idea. While vinegar might neutralize certain toxins, it can make things worse for others, spreading the venom even more. Since most of us can’t tell jellyfish species apart, it’s best to avoid vinegar and stick to other remedies.

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