For lovers of the sea, one of the constant “dangers” could be represented by the presence of jellyfish in the waters that, especially in the intense heat, are used to get closer and closer to the bathing areas. Over the years, the presence of jellyfish in our waters has represented, in some cases, a deterrent: the terror that arouse their bites has pushed so many people to do without a pleasant swim in the sea, just to escape the danger.
But what are the factors that have pushed, in recent years, to the proliferation of jellyfish in our marine waters, and in particular near the coast and, consequently, the areas intended for bathing? The first salient factor is attributable to climate change, with the rise in temperatures, but there is also a second and third factor to be attributed to man, that is, the indiscriminate fishing of tuna and swordfish that are used to feed jellyfish, as well as pollution.
The multiplication of jellyfish, therefore, leads more and more to the risk of puncture (and not of a “bite” as many mistakenly think), which occurs through the contact of the tentacles with any part of the human body, causing a local reaction that can result in redness and irritation of the skin, causing itching and pain.
However, those who can pull the plug from work during the summer months, cannot give up on holiday full of sun and sea. This is why, for all those who are organizing the excellent summer exodus, this brief guide that illustrates how it is possible to reduce the risk of jellyfish stings and, in particular, how it is possible to remedy immediately, without the fear of ruining, could come in handy your own period of deserved holidays!
In case of a jellyfish sting, here is how to behave:
- First of all, it is necessary to keep calm as much as possible: pain can stimulate greater muscular activity, thus contributing to the circulation of poison in the body;
- If you are near the shore, exit immediately; otherwise, call the attention of the other swimmers;
- Sometimes, remains of jellyfish tentacles can remain glued to the part of our body that has come into contact: try to eliminate using, if necessary, also the back of a blade, the pieces left on the skin;
- Rinse the affected part of the body with sea water: this is to relieve itching;
- Avoid rubbing sand or anything else on the injured part;
- If possible, spread immediately and for thirty seconds, a mixture made of sodium bicarbonate and water ;
- In these cases, cortisone-based creams are a solution to stop inflammation; however, their action is not immediate as it occurs after thirty minutes of the application.
- The effectiveness of some “grandma’s advice,” such as wetting the injured part with urine, vinegar, alcohol or ammonia, has not been tried; on the contrary, these “do-it-yourself” medications can make the situation worse!
- The ideal would be to bring an aluminum chloride astringent gel with it, also effective against mosquito bites.
These useful tips are to be implemented in case of non-serious skin reactions; in cases where other more severe symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, disorientation or sweating should occur, it is an excellent rule to call 911 immediately.