Jellyfish SOS: What to do in case of contact with jellyfish 2017/08/03

Global warming is affecting also our seas

This fact unfortunately has a consequence: propagation of jellyfish

Let’s see how to react to an encounter or contact with these sea-creatures

The jellyfish is a planktonic animal composed of 98% water. It has the shape of an inverted polyp: the upper part, called Umbrella, is convex, while the bottom part, called sub-umbrella, is concave; in the center there is the mouth. From the sub-umbrella margin the tentacles are developed, which work as defense and predation

The tentacles are covered by cells called cnidoblasts, which when stimulated, emit a stingy liquid which provokes a type of burn, an allergic reaction and/or in some species, paralysis

Finding yourself with a jellyfish is not precisely a good experience, nor for adults much less for our little ones, who would feel frightened by the sensation of pain and burn the jellyfish causes. By the way, jellyfish don’t sting nor bite, they just react to contact

The reaction caused by the stinging liquid is similar to an electric discharge that causes a lot of pain. In the affected area, aside from the visible redness, swelling, hives and blisters can appear. The burn fades after 10 minutes, but then an insufferable irritation is left

If your child, while playing in the water, starts crying and screaming for no apparent reason, it’s possible they’ve touched a jellyfish without knowing it. Take them immediately to shore and try to keep them calm. And especially, you stay calm!

Ask for help, maybe a bystander is a doctor!

It’s important to verify that there are no leftovers of the adhered tentacles on the skin. In this case, rinse with sea water and remove. Don’t use fresh water since this could make the released toxins circulate with the stinging liquid. Also don’t use ammonia, as was recommended in the past, lime juice, hot sand, alcohol, vinegar or antihistamine creams

Treat the burn with a binding gel of aluminum chloride, have it present when going to the beach, this is also useful for insect stings, it’s a very useful gel. Another alternative is to use a cortisone based cream.

Everything is resolved in a simple way, but an exhaustive control is necessary in case the child is confused or disoriented, if they turn pale or feels dizzy or faints

In the following days after the incident, use high sun block in the area as the affected area can darken. Complete healing will take place in a couple of weeks

These are just some suggestions from our part, don’t hesitate consulting with your pediatrician for more information