The jellyfish! Apart from being an ugly sight, which scares both young and old bathers, these invertebrates, which belong to the cnidarians, cause, if they come into contact with our skin, intense pain and stinging.
The jellyfish have gelatinous texture, with a bell-shaped body from which their tentacles emerge.
On the surface of the tentacles are found millions of cnidocytes or filamentous cells, within which are the cnidocysts, which contain the venom of the jellyfish.
When a jellyfish comes into contact with human skin it defends itself and hundreds or thousands of cnidocysts detach from its body and attach to human skin releasing histamine, and other toxins.
The first reaction of the body is acute pain and within minutes there is diffuse redness and swelling in the affected areas, with a strong burning and itching sensation. In cases where the quantity of jellyfish venom is too large, an anaphylactic reaction may be induced.
Depending on the type of jellyfish, the treatment varies, due to significant differences in the toxin they contain.
What can you do?
- On beaches where there are jellyfish we do not sit on the wet sand, as even dead jellyfish tentacles are toxic and in contact with the skin can cause dermatitis.
- In case you get stung by a jellyfish, do not scratch the spot to avoid spreading the poison.
- Do not rinse the area with fresh water after this way you will lead to a larger amount of toxic substance being discharged, use seawater.
- Retrieve, wearing protective gear, the jellyfish tentacles from the skin.
- Pads with diluted vinegar and ice packs will offer relief.
- If you feel dizzy, have difficulty breathing or feel the urge to vomit,head immediately to the nearest health centre.
- Avoid exposure to the sun in the in the following days since it increases the likelihood of post-inflammatory melancholy in the contact areas.
Consult the Dermatologist, the only expert to advise you on the appropriate treatment after a jellyfish bite!
Source : www.edae.gr
