Jellyfish stings can happen to you even during your holiday by the B altic Sea, although the most exposed to jellyfish venom are sunbathers spending their holidays by the warm seas. Jellyfish venom causes burns - an erythema with white swelling that lasts for several days and is really painful. What to do if you get burned by a jellyfish?
Jellyfish burnscan happen to anyone who spends aseaside holiday . Even on the B altic Sea it is good to check if there are spherical jellyfish in the sea, and in the south of Europe the question about jellyfish (e.g. a Portuguese sailor is venomous) and poisonous fish (e.g. in Spain, Portugal and Italy) and sea urchins (Greece, Croatia) nobody do not surprise. A jellyfish burn can be extremely dangerous, even fatal (if the victim comes across an entire herd).
The jellyfish that you can meet while bathing in southern Europe are small, their diameter usually does not exceed 10-15 centimeters, but their arms are two or three times longer. A light brush is enough to burn you. Jellyfish venom causes severe pain, similar to what we would feel when the skin is slapped with a bundle of nettles or stung by several bees at once. Pain may last for several days, up to a week.
Jellyfish burn - symptoms
Jellyfish venom can trigger:
- strong, burning pain
- skin redness
- rash
- muscle cramp
- nausea, vomiting
- shortness of breath
- anaphylactic shock
Jellyfish burn - first aid
If you get burned by a jellyfish, do not make any sudden movements as this speeds up the spread of the venom. Get out of the water and seek help from a lifeguard who should be carrying a pain reliever. You can also deal with the problem yourself.
Jellyfish leave the so-called burn tip - looks like a piece of pink or purple thread. You need to remove it with your fingers wrapped in a piece of cloth and bury it in the sand (the separated tip can still burn). The skin should be wiped with salicylic alcohol or vinegar, and if you do not have them at hand, you can rinse the wound with sea water or lemon juice, and brush it with… chopped tomato. Do not rinsescalded with fresh water or put ice cubes on the burned area, as this will activate the stinging stingers and cause the venom to spread further.
Antihistamines will ease the burning sensation, and swelling will be relieved by hydrocortisone cream.
Jellyfish burn - anaphylactic shock
If you have experienced an anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction), or are vomiting or having difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately. You should also always contact a doctor if the burn victim is a small child.
In the event of loss of breath by a person burned by a jellyfish, start a resuscitation action.
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