Treatment of jellyfish stings in UK coastal waters: vinegar or sodium bicarbonate?

Prestwich, Heather; Jenner, Rachel

doi:10.1136/emj.2007.052290

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…49 A paste made of baking soda and seawater (50% baking soda, 50% seawater) has been recommended for Cyanea capillata (lion’s mane jellyfish), sea nettles ( Chrysaora sp), and most common American Atlantic jellyfish located north of Norfolk, Virginia, 17,50 but there seems to be poor evidence to support this recommendation. 52 Lidocaine solutions in 4% to 15% concentrations may be the alternative as it acts as a local anesthetic and can have an effect on the calcium ion channels in the nematocyst membranes hindering discharge. 44,50 Methylated spirits and alcohols, ammonia, urine, and meat tenderizer should never be used for such stings, as they stimulate nematocyst discharge.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Jellyfish Stings: A Practical Approach

Lakkis

Maalouf

Mahmassani

2015

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

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Jellyfish have a worldwide distribution. Their stings can cause different reactions, ranging from cutaneous, localized, and self-limited to serious systemic or fatal ones, depending on the envenoming species. Several first aid treatments are used to manage such stings but few have evidence behind their use. This review of the literature describes and discusses the different related first aid and treatment recommendations, ending with a summarized practical approach. Further randomized controlled trials in this field are needed.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Jellyfish Stings: A Practical Approach

Lakkis

Maalouf

Mahmassani

2015

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

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“…Several studies and reviews on the best first aid measure for different jellyfish sting have been published. [16][17][18] There have been no studies from Sri Lanka so far.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The clinical manifestations, outcome and identification of jellyfish stings in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

et al. 2017

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We carried out a descriptive study over one year on 62 fishermen stung by jellyfish while fishing. Most were aged under 60 years. The timing of the sting was mostly between midnight and 4am (32%). Clinical symptoms were mainly localised pain and burning (80%), itching (67%) and shortness of breath (42%). Almost all patients received antihistamines (97%) and steroids (87%). None of them needed intensive care; they needed only 1-2 days in hospital. Jellyfish identified in fishing nets were Catostylus mosaicus, Cynea capillata and moon jellyfish.

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“…Jellyfish are present in all oceans of the world [2,3], with their stings being commonly observed in warm tropical marine waters [13,14], as well as in more northern regions, such as the United Kingdom [15], France [16] and Norway [17]. The geographic distribution of jellyfish seems to be undergoing an impact by global warming [18,19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Jellyfish Stings and Their Management: A Review

Cegolon

Heymann

Lange³

et al. 2013

Marine Drugs

169

172

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Jellyfish (cnidarians) have a worldwide distribution. Despite most being harmless, some species may cause local and also systemic reactions. Treatment of jellyfish envenomation is directed at: alleviating the local effects of venom, preventing further nematocyst discharges and controlling systemic reactions, including shock. In severe cases, the most important step is stabilizing and maintaining vital functions. With some differences between species, there seems to be evidence and consensus on oral/topical analgesics, hot water and ice packs as effective painkillers and on 30 s application of domestic vinegar (4%–6% acetic acid) to prevent further discharge of unfired nematocysts remaining on the skin. Conversely, alcohol, methylated spirits and fresh water should be carefully avoided, since they could massively discharge nematocysts; pressure immobilization bandaging should also be avoided, as laboratory studies show that it stimulates additional venom discharge from nematocysts. Most treatment approaches are presently founded on relatively weak evidence; therefore, further research (especially randomized clinical trials) is strongly recommended. Dissemination of appropriate treatment modalities should be deployed to better inform and educate those at risk. Adequate signage should be placed at beaches to notify tourists of the jellyfish risk. Swimmers in risky areas should wear protective equipment.

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Treatment of jellyfish stings in UK coastal waters: vinegar or sodium bicarbonate?

Cited by 8 publications

References 0 publications

Jellyfish Stings: A Practical Approach

Jellyfish Stings: A Practical Approach

The clinical manifestations, outcome and identification of jellyfish stings in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Jellyfish Stings and Their Management: A Review

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