Jellyfish are marine animals with a jelly-like body and parachute shape. Although they tend to live far from the shores – where they find the ichthyoplankton and zooplankton they need to feed themselves – several conditions, such as the change in the sea temperature or the abrupt variation of the tidal or wind cycles, make them begin to appear on the beaches.

A few days ago, the authorities gave the alert after the sighting of these animals on some beaches of the Costa Verde, such as Pampilla in Miraflores, and Agua Dulce in Chorrillos.

Why should we be alert to the presence of jellyfish of the cnidaria type? Because at the edge of the upper part they have filaments that are extremely irritating and have stinging cells that inject toxins to those who touch them. In addition, around the mouth, they have a kind of tentacles that they use to catch food.

“The conditions that are caused by biological beings in the sea and that, accidentally or by their own aggressiveness, cause skin reactions, are known as aquatic dermatoses”, explains Dr. Sandro Tucto, Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma.

According to the Specialist, the concentrations of poison in the affected people can cause serious complications. Remember that jellyfish are an important part of the South American marine ecosystems. They are food for sea turtles, some birds and bony fish, such as mackerel, horse mackerel, bonito, cashmere, grouper, and tuna.

Quick reaction

If a person suffers the sting of a jellyfish, he/she should immediately wash the affected area with plenty of seawater. “You should also try to remove as many stingers and venom as possible”, recommends the Dermatologist.

A myth to banish is that of urinating on the area to wash the sting because it can cause more complications. “Considering that the area will itch and hurt a lot if we scratch we could open the door to a more serious bacterial infection,” he adds.

Recommendations in case of a sting

What to do?

• Take out the person from the water
• Rinse the affected area with seawater
• Soak with hot water for 20 minutes or place a plastic bag with ice for 15 minutes
• Remove any remaining tentacle attached to the skin using gloves

What not to do?

• Do not apply urine or other alcoholic beverages to the wound
• Do not rub the affected area with sand or towels
• Do not clean with fresh water, as stingers can release more venom
• Never apply ice directly, unless it is from seawater

Call an ambulance immediately if:

• The affected person has difficulty breathing or eating
• The tongue or lips seem swollen
• The health condition worsens
• The person complains of severe pain or, in general, does not feel well
• The person has stingers in many parts of the body
• The stinger is in the eye or mouth

Dr. Sandro Tucto
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma