A jellyfish sting is a common injury that people get while swimming or diving in seawater. Generally, the sting is due to the long tentacles that trail from the jellyfish’s body which contains venom from the thousands of microscopic stingers embedded on the tentacles.
A jellyfish sting comes in various severity, mostly they result in immediate pain with reddish marks on the skin. In addition, more severe stings can cause symptoms that affect a larger portion of the body and in extreme cases, a sting can be life-threatening.
Common jellyfish stings can be remedied with home treatment while severe reactions require medical attention.
Even if a jellyfish is washed up on the shore, it may still release its venomous stingers if touched.
What are the signs of a jellyfish sting?
The common signs and symptoms of a jellyfish sting include:
- An immediate burning or prickling pain on the site of the sting
- A red, brown or purple track on the skin caused by the tentacles of the jellyfish
- Itching
An immediate burning or prickling pain on the site of the sting. - Swelling
Severe jellyfish stings have more severe symptoms and can affect multiple parts of the body. These symptoms can appear immediately and rapidly or after a few hours after the sting happens. These signs and symptoms include:
- Stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Breathing difficulties
- Drowsiness, fainting, and confusion
Seek medical attention immediately if any of the severe symptoms develop, do not wait for more symptoms to appear or wait for the symptoms to possibly improve as it will worsen the situation.
Risk factors
There are risk factors that contribute to the chances of being stung by a jellyfish, these include:
- Swimming during a jellyfish bloom where jellyfish appears in large numbers
- Swimming in an area where jellyfish are plentiful without a protective diving suit
- Playing or sunbathing in areas where jellyfish wash up
- Swimming or diving in places where jellyfish are common
Preventive measures
To prevent a jellyfish sting, safety measures such as wearing a protective suit will help. Examples are wetsuits as they cover the skin and prevent it from coming in to contact with a jellyfish’s tentacles.
Talk to lifeguards, residents or officials on information on the conditions regarding the jellyfish population before you start swimming or diving.
Stay out of the water during jellyfish season as population numbers are high.
More Information
The details posted on this page on jellyfish sting is for learning purposes only. To learn how a sting is properly managed, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/jellyfish-stings-treatment
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/jellyfish_stings/article_em.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jellyfish-stings/symptoms-causes/syc-20353284