Avoid the Pretty Jelly Fish
Tara A. Spears
The Portuguese man o’ war looks like a jellyfish. But it’s a colony of specialized minute individual organisms called zooids. The tentacles have up to 1,000 stinging cells per centimeter, which emit a very strong poison. On contact these toxins cause severe pain.
According to National Geographic, the long, thin tendrils can extend 165 feet in length below the surface, although on average tendrils are 30 feet long . They are covered in venom-filled nematocysts used to paralyze and kill fish and other small creatures. For humans, a man-of-war sting is excruciatingly painful, but rarely deadly. But beware—even dead man-of-wars washed up on shore can deliver a sting.
They are fearsome predators, catching small fish and crustaceans with their long stinging tentacles. It’s these tentacles that you need to watch out for too – they can sting long after the animal has died.
creatures. All agree that it’s important to start treating the symptoms right away to lower your pain and discomfort levels. If you’re having severe symptoms, like chest pains or shortness of breath, call for emergency services. Typically people report burning, itching, swelling and pain for several days after contact.
The author has used white vinegar for many years but it currently is not recommended for treating bluebottle stings but effective for box jellies. Apply ice packs for about 15 minutes at a time several times a day to reduce swelling. For severe stings, reduce your pain with oral antihistamines. Over-the- counter medicines containing diphenhydramine can help reduce itching, swelling, and pain. Lastly, apply a topical hydrocortisone cream Enjoy the beautiful beaches but remember to pack a bottle of vinegar and a hot pack for that next trip to your favorite tropical paradise. Most importantly, do not touch the pretty blue glob on the shore.