overview
Jellyfish stings are relatively common problems for people who swim, wade, or dive in seawater. The long tentacles that escape from the jellyfish’s body can inject you with the venom of thousands of microscopic barbed spines.
Jellyfish stings vary greatly in severity. Most often, they cause immediate pain and red, irritated spots on the skin. Some jellyfish stings can cause more (systemic) diseases of the whole body. In rare cases, jellyfish stings are life-threatening.
Most jellyfish stings get better with home treatment. Serious reactions require urgent medical attention. Jellyfish stings Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of jellyfish stings include:
- Burning, stinging, and stabbing pain
- Red, brown, or purple spots on the skin – an “impression” of the tentacles touching your skin
- itching
- swelling
- Throbbing pain radiating from a leg or arm
- Severe jellyfish stings can affect several body systems. These reactions can occur quickly or several hours after the bite. Signs and symptoms of severe jellyfish stings include:
- Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
- a headache
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Weakness, drowsiness, fainting and confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- heart problems
The reasons
Jellyfish tentacles contain microscopic spines. Each stinger has a tiny lightbulb that contains poison and a coiled tube with a sharp tip. The jellyfish uses the poison to protect itself and kill its prey.
When you rub a tentacle, tiny triggers on its surface release the spines. The tube penetrates the skin and releases poison. It affects the immediate area of contact and can get into the bloodstream.
Jellyfish that have washed up on a beach can still release poisonous spines if touched. Jellyfish stings Treatment in Hyderabad
Risk factors
Conditions that increase your risk of being stung by jellyfish include:
- Swimming at times when jellyfish are abundant (a jellyfish flower)
- Swim or snorkel in jellyfish areas without protective clothing
- Play or sunbathe where jellyfish wash up on the beach
- Swim in a place known to be high in jellyfish
preventions
The following tips can help you avoid jellyfish stings:
- Wear a protective suit. Wear a wetsuit or other protective clothing when swimming or diving in areas where jellyfish stings are possible. Dive shops sell “protective suits” or “stinger suits” made of fine high-tech material. Consider protective shoes as stitches can also occur when wading in shallow water.
- Find out about the conditions. Talk to lifeguards, residents, or officials from a local health department before swimming or diving in coastal waters, especially in areas where jellyfish are common.
- Avoid water during the jellyfish season. Stay out of the water when jellyfish numbers are high. Jellyfish stings Treatment in Hyderabad