Jellyfish

1. See Also
   1. Marine Envenomation
   2. Neurotoxin
   3. Marine Injury
2. Background
   1. Invertebrates of phylum Cnidaria
      1. Inhabit shallow coastal waters
      2. Cnidaria includes (all have stinging nematocyst)
         1. Jellyfish
         2. Portuguese Man-Of-War
         3. Anemones
         4. Hydroids (fern-like fixed marine organism)
         5. Sea anemones
         6. Coral
            1. Responsible for more human cuts than Envenomation
            2. Often causes pruritic, red wheals at wound sites
            3. Remove debris and copiously irrigate with water
   2. Jellyfish (also called Sea Nettle) Anatomy
      1. Bell: Semi-transparent umbrella-shaped
         1. Varies in diameter from inches to 7 feet
      2. Tentacles
         1. As long as 100 feet in some cases
         2. Contain stinging namatocysts
   3. Portuguese Man-Of-War
      1. Bell: Purple air float (up to 12 cm in size)
         1. Float rides above surface of water
         2. Analogous to a sail, catching the wind to move
      2. Tentacles
         1. As with Jellyfish, contain nematocysts
         2. Tentacles may be several feet in length
3. Epidemiology
   1. Cnidaria responsible for most Marine Envenomations
4. Pathophysiology
   1. Nematocysts on tentacles responsible for stinging
   2. Nematocysts may sting even if tentacle detached
5. Symptoms (duration 2-3 days)
   1. Local burning pain
   2. Paresthesias
   3. Systemic symptoms occur in severe Envenomation
      1. Nausea or Vomiting
      2. Headache
      3. Myalgias
      4. Ataxia or Dizziness
6. Signs
   1. Local dermatitis
      1. Local erythema and edema
      2. Linear Papules
      3. Wheals
   2. Lesions resolve within hours
      1. Some lesions may necrose and Blister
   3. Severe systemic symptoms may occur
      1. Onset 5 minutes to hours after sting
      2. Observe for symptom rebound 6-8 hours after episode
7. Associated conditions
   1. Seabather's Eruption
      1. Pruritic dermatitis related to Cnidaria larvae
8. Management
   1. Avoid envenomated limb movement
   2. Apply 5% acetic acid or vinegar to area for 30 minutes
      1. Alternatives: Salt water
      2. Avoid Fresh water (will cause nematocyst discharge)
   3. Remove nematocysts and tentacles from skin
      1. Use gloves or forceps
      2. Alternative method
         1. Apply shaving cream or baking soda slurry to area
         2. Use razor to scrape off nematocysts
      3. Do not rub or remove with towel
   4. Other conservative measures
      1. Apply heat or cold to area
      2. Avoid meat tenderizer (not effective)
      3. No data on Topical Corticosteroids
9. Course
   1. Symptom recurrence may happen within first month
   2. Fatalities are rare, but may occur if Anaphylaxis
   3. Stings with highest severity (most venomous)
      1. Australian Jellyfish
      2. Box Jellyfish (Hawaii)
         1. Antivenin is available and recommended
10. Prevention
    1. Wet suit use reduces risk of stings
11. References
    1. Habif (1996) Dermatology, p. 491
    2. Perkins (2004) Am Fam Physician 69(4): 885-90