Jellyfish dermatitis: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Jellyfish dermatitis | |||
| image = [[File:Jellyfish_dermatitis_case1_abdominal_skin_back.jpg|left|thumb|Jellyfish dermatitis on the abdomen]] | |||
| caption = Jellyfish dermatitis on the abdomen | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Skin rash]], [[itching]], [[pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[scarring]] | |||
| onset = Immediate to a few hours after contact | |||
| duration = Days to weeks | |||
| causes = Contact with [[jellyfish]] tentacles | |||
| risks = Swimming in jellyfish-infested waters | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, history of exposure | |||
| differential = [[Contact dermatitis]], [[sea bather's eruption]], [[swimmer's itch]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of jellyfish, protective clothing | |||
| treatment = [[Vinegar]] application, [[antihistamines]], [[topical corticosteroids]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in coastal areas | |||
}} | |||
'''Jellyfish dermatitis''' is a skin condition caused by the sting of a jellyfish. The sting injects venom into the skin, causing a reaction that can range from mild irritation to severe pain and swelling. The severity of the reaction depends on the species of jellyfish, the area of skin affected, and the individual's sensitivity to the venom. | '''Jellyfish dermatitis''' is a skin condition caused by the sting of a jellyfish. The sting injects venom into the skin, causing a reaction that can range from mild irritation to severe pain and swelling. The severity of the reaction depends on the species of jellyfish, the area of skin affected, and the individual's sensitivity to the venom. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of jellyfish dermatitis can vary, but often include: | The symptoms of jellyfish dermatitis can vary, but often include: | ||
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* Muscle pain | * Muscle pain | ||
* Difficulty breathing in severe cases | * Difficulty breathing in severe cases | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Jellyfish dermatitis is caused by the sting of a jellyfish. The jellyfish's tentacles contain specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain organelles called nematocysts. When the jellyfish comes into contact with a potential threat, the nematocysts fire, injecting venom into the threat. | Jellyfish dermatitis is caused by the sting of a jellyfish. The jellyfish's tentacles contain specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain organelles called nematocysts. When the jellyfish comes into contact with a potential threat, the nematocysts fire, injecting venom into the threat. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for jellyfish dermatitis focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing infection. This can include: | Treatment for jellyfish dermatitis focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing infection. This can include: | ||
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* Taking antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching | * Taking antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching | ||
* In severe cases, seeking medical attention | * In severe cases, seeking medical attention | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of jellyfish dermatitis involves avoiding contact with jellyfish. This can include: | Prevention of jellyfish dermatitis involves avoiding contact with jellyfish. This can include: | ||
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* Avoiding areas where jellyfish are known to be present | * Avoiding areas where jellyfish are known to be present | ||
* Being aware of local jellyfish warnings and advisories | * Being aware of local jellyfish warnings and advisories | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Dermatitis]] | * [[Dermatitis]] | ||
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* [[Cnidocytes]] | * [[Cnidocytes]] | ||
* [[Nematocysts]] | * [[Nematocysts]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Toxicology]] | [[Category:Toxicology]] | ||
[[Category:Marine biology]] | [[Category:Marine biology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:05, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Jellyfish dermatitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Skin rash, itching, pain |
| Complications | Infection, scarring |
| Onset | Immediate to a few hours after contact |
| Duration | Days to weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Contact with jellyfish tentacles |
| Risks | Swimming in jellyfish-infested waters |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, history of exposure |
| Differential diagnosis | Contact dermatitis, sea bather's eruption, swimmer's itch |
| Prevention | Avoidance of jellyfish, protective clothing |
| Treatment | Vinegar application, antihistamines, topical corticosteroids |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in coastal areas |
| Deaths | N/A |
Jellyfish dermatitis is a skin condition caused by the sting of a jellyfish. The sting injects venom into the skin, causing a reaction that can range from mild irritation to severe pain and swelling. The severity of the reaction depends on the species of jellyfish, the area of skin affected, and the individual's sensitivity to the venom.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of jellyfish dermatitis can vary, but often include:
- Red, itchy rash
- Swelling
- Pain
- Blisters
- Fever
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing in severe cases
Causes[edit]
Jellyfish dermatitis is caused by the sting of a jellyfish. The jellyfish's tentacles contain specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain organelles called nematocysts. When the jellyfish comes into contact with a potential threat, the nematocysts fire, injecting venom into the threat.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for jellyfish dermatitis focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing infection. This can include:
- Removing any remaining tentacles from the skin
- Rinsing the area with vinegar or a solution of baking soda and water
- Applying a topical cream or ointment to relieve pain and itching
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Taking antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching
- In severe cases, seeking medical attention
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of jellyfish dermatitis involves avoiding contact with jellyfish. This can include:
- Wearing protective clothing when swimming in areas known to have jellyfish
- Avoiding areas where jellyfish are known to be present
- Being aware of local jellyfish warnings and advisories
