Jellyfish Stings
- Most jellyfish in Irish waters are non-toxic
- Venom stored in nematocysts (cellular capsules called) on tentacles
- Nematocysts fire tiny harpoon with thread of venom
- Nematocysts fire even after jellyfish dead (on a beach)
- Lions Mane is the most venomous jellyfish in Irish waters
- Mostly northern Irish sea
- Up to 80cm in diameter
- Toxin may be very painful
Management of sting
- Protect yourself
- Remove the victim from the water.
- Remove any attached tentacles with a gloved hand, stick or towel.
- Do NOT rub the affected area (releases more venom)
- Rinse the affected area with sea-water (not fresh water)
- Apply a cold pack or ice (but avoid direct fresh water contact with area)
- Xylocaine spray (4% or 2.5%) eases symptoms and reduced further toxin relase from nemocysts.
- Do not use other washes (vinegar, urine, alcohol) as these can worses toxin relese.
- All with airway, constitutional or eye symptoms should attend an emergency department.
- Detailed slit lamp exam is required in eye injuries.
