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Jellyfish

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Contents of this page:

Definition   

This article describes the effects of a jellyfish sting.

Poisonous Ingredient   

Where Found   

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms   

Portuguese Man-of-War:

Sea-Wasp:

Home Care   

Portuguese Man-of-War:

Wash with salt water. Protect affected area if possible. Soak the area with a solution of vinegar and water (1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water) for about 30 minutes to remove any remaining tentacles. Rinse the area and then resoak with more 1/2 strength vinegar.

(To remove remaining tentacles, may use flour or shaving cream and scrape with a dull instrument such as a credit card.) Apply a cream containing a pain killer, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.

Sea-Wasp (usually found in Australian waters):

CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE. Death can occur within minutes.

Before Calling Emergency   

Determine the following information:

Poison Control   

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital, and any appropriate first aid that can be administered prior to arrival.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room   

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Outlook (Prognosis)   

Portuguese Man-of-War stings are rarely fatal. Sea-Wasp stings can be fatal in minutes.

Update Date: 2/13/2006

Updated by: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network.

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