Generally not serious in France, the sting or rather burn of jellyfish remains very painful. Reflexes to adopt immediately on the advice of Dr Marc Perrussel, dermatologist and venerologist at the University Hospital of Rennes.
jellyfish stings are common during the summer season. Moreover, the term sting is not really suitable since it is actually a burn. Indeed, the mollusk onlytouch the skin, depositing on stinging poisonous cells. An immediate inflammatory reaction follows which causes a feeling of discharge electricity, a burn, tinglingof the itching and the appearance of red skin lesions, similar to a nettle sting but much more severe. “Not all species of jellyfish are stinging, small colored ones cause particularly unpleasant reactions. Most often, jellyfish are encountered while bathing but there can also be contact with a stinging type jellyfish. when walking on the beach inadvertently“, comments Dr. Marc Perrussel. Here is thehis first steps to be carried out immediately in the event of a jellyfish sting:
Rinse the burnt area with seawater
The first thing to do is to rinse the sting thoroughly with sea water. “Especially not in clear water because it is hypotonic, which risks bursting the small osmotic capsules, spreading the venom and increasing the risk of infection“, warns the dermatologist. It is essential to try not to panic and to get out of the water quickly.
Remove the filaments that may be stuck on the skin (with a blue card)
Do not touch the filaments with your fingers because they are the ones that contain the venom. “To remove the filaments that have stuck to the skin, it is possible to use a rigid object such as a bank card if you have one handy. It is necessary at all costs avoid rubbing so as not to break the small vesicles filled with stinging product but rather eliminate them by scraping“, recommends the dermatologist.
Put sand on the affected area and let it dry
The application of sand helps relieve itching. In the event of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia), emergency services should be called immediately. “If you know you are allergic because you have already had a reaction to a jellyfish sting, it is obvious that you should avoid swimming in an environment infested with jellyfish because you risk of anaphylactic shock (extreme allergic reaction) and drowning“, says Dr. Marc Perrussel.
Apply vinegar or lemon water
Apply vinegar or lemon well diluted with water is a very effective remedy to separate the filaments. Obviously, this advice is only valid if you are near a restaurant or your home.
Should you urinate on a jellyfish sting?
This received idea is totally ineffective and dangerous. Urinating on a jellyfish sting does not soothe the pain, quite the contrary. Indeed, urine may cause nemastocytes to burstthese small vesicles filled with venom, and so aggravate the situation.
What to do once at home?
Back home, it is recommended observe the evolution of the burn and apply a cortisone-based cream to relieve itching or Biafine® to soothe the burn. It is essential to rest and refrain from touching the lesion so as not to irritate him further.