Jellyfish
The jellyfish belongs to the cnidaria genus (cnida = urticant), like the anemone, the Beadlet anemone, red coral or the gorgonia. These animals have urticant or stinging cells called cniodocytes, which they use to defend themselves and attack their prey.
These cniodocytes contain a capsule full of venom and a coiled thread-like structure. When the jellyfish touches its prey, or if we touch a jellyfish, it fires prickles that open up a wound, and the thread immediately uncoils, releasing the venom.
Jellyfish have thousands of cniodocytes that continue to be active even if the jellyfish looks dead or is on the beach.
What should you do if there are a lot of jellyfish at the beach where you are?
Do not swim
Use sunscreen and wear a t-shirt to avoid direct contact
Do not walk in the area where the waves break: half-buried jellyfish parts can sting you too
Do not touch a jellyfish even if it’s dead
What should you do if you’ve been stung by a jellyfish?
Do not wet the wound with fresh water; if you wet it at all, do it with salt water
Apply a bag with ice cubes to the wound for 15 minutes. Do not apply ice directly! If the pain doesn’t ease off, apply ice for another 15 minutes
First protecting your fingers, remove the tentacle remains stuck to the skin after or as you apply gel
Do not rub the wound in any way, not with sand or towels
Do not ever use ammonia
Sun protection measures
Avoid staying out in the sun for long periods of time, especially when the sun is at its peak intensity, from twelve noon to and four in the afternoon
Wear a t-shirt, cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun even if it’s cloudy, because the effects of solar radiation still exist, so it’s important to take protective measures
Use suitable sunscreens according to skin type. Use the product on your entire body and occasionally apply more, especially after every swim of it you sweat a lot
Remember that using sunscreens is not considered a safe way to be exposed the sun for longer periods of time
Practical Councils
