Jellyfish Stings

Jellyfish Season

At the end of June or early July and all thru August you will sometimes find a colonial organism that resembles a jellyfish. The Portuguese Man o’ War, also known as the bluebottle, man-of-war, or the Portuguese man of war, is a jelly-like, marine invertebrate that is found to come ashore in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) after rain, where they are known as agua malas by local Mexicans. And their highly venomous tenacles can deliver a painful sting even several weeks after they have washed ashore and dried out.

What to do if stung

Jellyfish stings come from the long tentacles that trail the bell-shaped jellyfish. These tentacles have a protein-based venom. The most dangerous reaction to a jellyfish sting is the possibility of severe allergic reaction. The Portuguese Man o’ War are technically not jellyfish, but if stung should be treated like that of a jellyfish.

1. Rinse the tentacles off.
   Rinse away the tentacles using hot water if possible. If heated water isn’t available, use salt water rather than fresh. Fresh water may worsen the stinging pain.
2. Peel off the tentacles.
   Remove any remaining tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, shell or tweezers. Be careful not to get the tentacles on yourself or on clothing.
3. Watch for anaphylaxis.
   Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can result in: 
   • itching
   • hives
   • shortness of breath
   • wheezing
   • tightening of the throat
   • flushed skin
   • weakness
   • dizziness
4. Immerse the stung area in hot water.
   The general rule is to have the victim either shower or immerse the sting in the hottest water he or she can stand. Work up to the heat and be careful not to scald (burn) the victim.
5. To relieve pain an itching
   For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325 mg 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours for pain; or Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Aleve every 8 hours for pain. Ice or heat may also help. Mild itching may be helped with diphenhydramine.

Urine will not work on a jellyfish sting. Some victims have reported pain relief, but urine does not always have enough acid to neutralize the venom. Use hot water. Plain white distilled vinegar (acetic acid) like you would find in your kitchen has long been the standard first aid treatment for jellyfish stings.

• Eye stings should be rinsed with a commercial saline solution like Artifical Tears; dab the skin around the eyes with a towel that has been soaked in vinegar. Do not place vinegar directly in the eyes.
• Mouth stings should be treated with 1/4 strength vinegar. Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ¾ cup of water. Gargle and spit out the solution. Do not drink or swallow the solution.

Emergency contact information

• Local Hospital (638) 383  4566
• Red Cross (638) 383 2266
• Police Station (638) 383 2626 or (638) 383 1616
• Fire Station (638) 383 2828
• Sky Medical Air Ambulance (from Mexico) 001-866-805-9624

References

• Wikipedia
• Jellyfish Stings
• Jellyfish Stings
• Jellyfish
• Jellyfish Sting Treatment
• First Aid

 

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2 Responses to “Jellyfish Stings”

1. Bonnie says:

   July 1, 2011 at 5:26 pm

   where do we buy StingMate? thanks, we’re on our way to Rocky Point with all our Grandkids, love all the info you can give us

   Reply
2. Beach Life 1968 says:

   July 11, 2010 at 9:47 am

   Good article..correct protocol…the recommended hot water application is 113 degrees for 12-20 minutes…Australian Medical Journal…there is a product on the market that works…used it myself and it works…still should apply heat but StingMate worked very well…good luck and keep the sunny side up..BL

   Reply