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Jellyfish Stings

Jellyfish Stings Overview

Jellyfish are free-swimming, non-aggressive, gelatinous marine animals surrounded by tentacles. These tentacles are covered with sacs (nematocysts) that are filled with poison (venom) that can cause a painful to sometimes life-threatening sting. The marine animals included in the "family" are jellyfish, box jellyfish (sea wasps), Portuguese man-of-war, hydroids, anemones, and fire coral. Jellyfish are found throughout the world. But, the most deadly are found in the Indo-Pacific and Australian waters.

Jellyfish are usually found near the surface of the water during times of diminished light, floating in the water column, or after washing up on the beach. Jellyfish stings are generally accidental - from swimming or wading into a jellyfish or carelessly handling them.

Some types of jellyfish have reproductive jelly gatherings 8 to 10 days after a full moon, thus there is an increase in the number of jellyfish found at that time.

There are over 200 types of jellyfish (that have been documented).



Next: Jellyfish Sting Symptoms »

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Jellyfish Stings

Scuba Diving: Coral Cuts »

Coral Cuts Overview

Corals are animals that have calcified outer skeletons with sharp edges. Coral formations occur in tropical and subtropical waters. Because coral formations are rigid and sharp, injury can occur after accidental contact, leaving a small amount of animal protein and calcareous material in the wound. The small, harmless-appearing cut may quickly develop into an infected wound. Some corals contain nematocysts, which can produce a more significant injury (see Jellyfish Stings and Fire Coral Cuts).

Coral Cuts Symptoms

  • The inflamed, swollen, red, tender wound develops into a festering sore or ulcer with a pustular (infectious) drainage.

  • Spreading redness of the skin around the wounded area suggests expanding infection and requires immediate medical attention.

Coral Cuts Treatment

  • Scrub with soap and water and then fl...

Read the Scuba Diving: Coral Cuts article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Jellyfish Stings »

With more than 10,000 species in the sea, jellyfish are responsible for the most common human envenomations.

Read More on eMedicine »

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