Jellyfishes are invertebrate aquatic animals that cause sting when a person comes into direct contact with their tentacles. These tentacles have specialized stinging cells called nematocytes which contain stinging structures called nematocysts. Sharp hollow tubes containing poison are found in the nematocysts. This poison is released and injected into the skin when a person suddenly comes into direct contact with the tentacles. The toxin cause abnormalities in calcium anf sodium ion transport, releases inflammatory mediators, disrupts the membrane of cells, and affects the tissues of the heart, kidneys, nerves, and liver.It causes local skin reactions like a red rash that is both itchy and painful, swelling, and peeling off of the skin if the condition is severe. Severe systemic reaction include headache, vomiting, weakness, dyspnea, muscle spasms, fever and chills. It can even lead to shock and sudden death. Depending on the type of jellyfish, the effect of the poison differ. The faster the poison gets into the bloodstream, the more concentrated it is in the blood and the faster the onset of signs and symptoms. When a person comes into contact with jellyfish, remove him immediately from the water. Immobilize the area so as not to spread the poison further and wash the area with salt water. Inspect the affected area for any tentacles that are still attached to the skin and if there are any remove them with forceps. Apply white vinegar to inactivate undischarged nematocysts. This will also help alleviate the symptoms.Give supportive medications for the symptoms and if there is a need hook the patient to IV fluids. Topical steroids can be applied for severe skin reactions. |
