Jellyfish sting
Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
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A jellyfish sting causes more or less severe skin reactions and pain. In severe cases, contact with the tentacles, some of which are meter-long, of a very poisonous jellyfish (such as the Portuguese galley) can also lead to death. Read everything you need to know about jellyfish stings here: Why some jellyfish are dangerous, what symptoms a jellyfish sting causes and how to treat it.
Jellyfish sting: description
A jellyfish sting (sometimes incorrectly referred to as a jellyfish bite) occurs when the skin comes into contact with the poisonous and often meter-long tentacles of a jellyfish while bathing in the sea. The animals, like polyps and sea anemones, belong to the cnidarians (Cnidaria) and are found in practically all oceans. Particularly dangerous is a jellyfish sting from very poisonous representatives such as:
- Portuguese galley (Physalia physalis): Western Mediterranean (off Portugal), in tropical-subtropical seas.
- Box jellyfish or sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri): In the western Pacific, especially off the north-east coast of Australia.
In German coastal regions, swimmers can also get jellyfish stings, for example from Cyanea capillata, the yellow hair jellyfish or fire jellyfish. It is common in the North and Baltic Seas as well as in the cooler Atlantic and Pacific. The luminous jellyfish that occur in the Mediterranean and can occur in schools, especially in midsummer, is also unpleasant.
Jellyfish sting: symptoms
A jellyfish sting primarily causes local symptoms such as severe pain and more or less severe inflammatory skin reactions (with reddening, wheals and swelling) - similar to ant bites or the reaction to nettles. Sometimes itching and general symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety or headache occur.
If the jellyfish sting comes from one of the highly poisonous species such as the box jellyfish (sea wasps), very severe cardiovascular reactions with fatal consequences can develop.
Regardless of whether a jellyfish sting only causes harmless or serious symptoms, the body can always react allergic to it - up to anaphylactic shock, which can also be fatal.
Jellyfish sting: causes and risk factors
In jellyfish (and also other cnidarians) there are special cells in the outermost cell layer, the so-called nettle cells or nettle capsules (nematocysts). They contain a spiral-wound nettle thread. When it comes into contact (for example with the skin of a swimmer), this nettle thread is ejected explosively, injecting a poisonous mixture (nettle poison) into the skin of the victim - one speaks of a jellyfish sting. They usually paralyze or kill small prey with their nettle venom. Depending on the type, this poison can also be unpleasant for humans.
The nettle poison consists of various proteins that dissolve cells (cytolytic) and damage nerves (neurotoxic) and trigger the jellyfish sting symptoms described above. Depending on the type of jellyfish, the animals have different levels of toxicity.
Sometimes their tentacles also tear off and swim freely in the sea. This is particularly uncomfortable when affected communities set up extra nets in the sea to keep sources away from certain swimming areas. The freely floating tentacles can still trigger reactions and also through the nets.
Even dead animals on the beach can still have active nettle capsules for several days. Therefore one should approach them with caution.
Jellyfish sting: examinations and diagnosis
If a jellyfish sting is suspected, the emergency doctor / doctor will first ask the patient or any accompanying person for necessary information such as:
- When and where did the jellyfish sting occur?
- What complaints do you / does the patient have?
- What first aid measures have been taken?
The doctor will immediately examine the patient and assess the jellyfish burns. If there are signs of an allergic reaction or shocks, the vital functions (such as blood pressure) are checked.
Jellyfish sting: treatment
Anyone who suffers a jellyfish sting should leave the water immediately - possibly with the help of other people. To inactivate the nettle cells, if possible, wine vinegar is poured onto the affected areas of the skin. At the very least, adhering tentacles should be removed mechanically. To do this, sprinkle sand and carefully scrape off the tentacles (e.g. with a spatula, the back of a knife or a bank card). You should avoid strong pressure to prevent further stinging cells from bursting.
Wearing protective gloves during this initial treatment prevents the patient or helper from suffering (further) jellyfish burns.
If vinegar is not available, the tentacles can also be rinsed with seawater (except in the corresponding areas during the box jellyfish season - here the seawater can contain tentacle residues). Under no circumstances should you use fresh water or alcohol, because this can activate the stifle cells that are still present!
Cooling with ice relieves the discomfort. In addition, you can rub the affected skin areas later with an antihistamine ("allergy agent") or cortisone.
An antiserum is available in Australia for the treatment of jellyfish stings by box jellyfish.
When should you alert the doctor?
In the event of a jellyfish sting by the sea wasp, Portuguese galley or other highly poisonous jellyfish species, the emergency doctor should be alerted immediately. This also applies to any other jellyfish sting that causes severe discomfort.
In the event of a fire jellyfish burn, the emergency services should be alerted immediately if larger areas of skin are affected by the jellyfish sting, if there is very severe pain or if there are signs of an allergic shock. Even if you are unsure how serious the jellyfish sting is, you should alert the rescue service or the water watch to be on the safe side.
Jellyfish sting: disease course and prognosis
The jellyfish sting of a fire jellyfish is uncomfortable with its pain, itching and rash, but usually not dangerous. Caution is only required if the patient has a severe allergic or panic reaction. A jellyfish sting of a highly poisonous species like the sea wasp can be fatal.
Some patients suffer from symptoms such as itching and sensory disorders for months after a jellyfish sting. These usually have to be treated with cortisone or antihistamines for a long time.
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