If you're been stung by a box jellyfish, it's important to carefully monitor your symptoms for hours after the sting. Seek medical attention right away for any severe symptoms. This includes breathing difficulties, chest or abdominal pains, or profuse sweating.
Jellyfish stings make raised, red welts that develop along the site of the sting. The welts may last for 1 to 2 weeks, and itchy skin rashes may appear 1 to 4 weeks after the sting. Portuguese man-of-war stings result in a red line with small white sores.
Most jellyfish stings are painful but not dangerous. A few jellyfish, however, release powerful venom into the skin. The stings of these species, if left untreated, can be dangerous or even deadly. Prompt jellyfish sting treatment can quickly alleviate pain and prevent a sting from getting worse.
A delayed reaction can occur many times over the course of 1 to 2 months following a sting. You may have a fever, weakness, or joint stiffness or swelling. Medical treatment may ease the discomfort and prevent complications from a delayed reaction.
While early skin changes following jellyfish stings are acutely inflammatory in nature, long-term or delayed complications of jellyfish dermatitis may occur in the forms of keloids, pigmented striae, and lichenification from persistent rubbing, granuloma, ulceration and necrosis [1].
Indeed, Vibrio vulnificus infection can be a life- or limb-threatening complication of marine wounds. A tetracycline has long been considered the antibiotic of choice against V. vulnificus,2 although several other antibiotics also are effective.
Sometimes symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness may last for up to a week or symptoms may increase gradually over the next day or two. This indicates a moderate reaction and should be monitored. Speak to Your Doctor for Advice If: You are concerned about your bee sting.
Once out, slowly pouring seawater over the sting will help ease the pain,” Joe Mulligan, head of first aid at the British Red Cross, said. He added: “Doing the same thing with vinegar can be even more effective as the acid helps neutralise the jellyfish sting.
Jellyfish stings make raised, red welts that develop along the site of the sting. The welts may last for 1 to 2 weeks, and itchy skin rashes may appear 1 to 4 weeks after the sting. Portuguese man-of-war stings result in a red line with small white sores.
A jellyfish's tentacles are loaded with small bee-like stingers that contain a toxin used to stun small water prey. This is why within 4-24 hours after a human is exposed to the stinger of a jellyfish, the affected skin can become painful, red and swollen, and an itchy rash can appear.
What should you do if a jellyfish stings you? Scientists have found that applying vinegar is the best solution, and that popular remedies including urine, lemon juice, and shaving foam could make the situation worse.
After you remove the tentacles, soak the affected area in hot water (104-113 F or 40-45 C) for at least 20 minutes. If you don't have a thermometer, make sure the water is hot but not scalding. A hot shower is OK if that's easier than soaking. Stay in the water for 20 to 45 minutes.
Jellyfish stings are known to induce allergic skin reactions; however, case reports of anaphylaxis after jellyfish ingestion have been increasing, especially in Asian countries. Some cases of anaphylaxis after jellyfish ingestion have been reported in patients with a previous history of frequent jellyfish stings.
What Is Skeeter Syndrome? Skeeter syndrome is diagnosed when you have a strong reaction to a mosquito bite. You may see a large area of swelling, soreness, redness, and itching or pain at the location of the bite. Such a reaction can develop within hours of the bite, and it may last for weeks.
The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one. This condition requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include one or more of the following: Hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the sting site.
Most jellyfish stings get better over a few days or weeks with home treatment. Severe reactions likely need emergency medical care.
Large venom symptoms are vomiting, dizziness, weakness and headache. Anaphylaxis (A severe allergic reaction). Life-threatening reactions are very rare with the stings. Most are caused by box jellyfish found in the South Pacific and Australia.
Treat itching with an over-the-counter anti-itch cream and/or an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). If itching is severe, see a doctor for a stronger preparation. See a doctor if someone is stung in the mouth, in or near the eye, on a large area of skin, or on the genital region.
Jellyfish Sting Symptoms
Persistent redness and irritation after 2-3 days may signal bacterial infection of the wound.
Hives and flushing of the skin. These symptoms often occur with other symptoms of a severe reaction. Muscle spasm, muscle cramps, joint pain, or generalized aching.
If you are allergic, you need to know that a reaction can occur either right away or up to 12 hours after the sting. Make sure you have your EpiPen with you during that time. If you have any of the following conditions when stung by a bee, call 911 and then use your EpiPen: Red welts on your skin (hives)