The Ocean's Sting: Jellyfish

by Angel Lynn Diamond | More from this Blogger

The summer is filled with amazing activities. Picnics, playgrounds, boating, outdoor barbecues, swimming and more. It is a great chance to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. However, when dealing with nature there are some hazards mixed into the fun that we need to be careful of.

A trip to the ocean will probably be on one of your family's destination vacation spots sometime in your life. Maybe you live close by the ocean and are a frequent visitor. When you are enjoying the beauty of the sand and surf this is also a typical spot where danger is right around the corner. One of those dangers is a jellyfish sting.

The jellyfish is part of marine life that inhabits the ocean. They move about the water with their tentacles behind them. They do not usually attack, but lie in wait and whatever comes near them is stung. The incidence of a jellyfish sting is relatively common. However, some stings will only cause the skin to become irritated whereas other stings from a jellyfish will cause death from their poison.

When you are in the ocean probably the best thing that you can do for yourself to avoid a possible jellyfish sting is to keep your distance from them. There is also a product that claims to be a protective block against the sting of a jellyfish.

If a jellyfish stings you, you will know it. The symptoms of a jellyfish sting are redness of the skin, pain, blisters, burning, swelling, a puncture or laceration in the skin, hives, and bleeding. Other symptoms that can occur although are unusual are vomiting, diarrhea, problems with breathing, sweating, and weakness. If symptoms are not too severe immediately remove any dirt from the area and rinse with water. You should see your doctor as soon as possible following a jellyfish sting. Your physician may want you to have a course of antibiotics and/or receive a tetanus booster shot if you have not had a recent vaccination. If symptoms are more severe and you have difficulty breathing you should call 911 and be transported to the hospital for an evaluation.

Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.

Learn more about Angel Lynn Diamond

I am a mom to my precious one and only, a nurse in a heartwarming adult living facility, and a freelance writer.

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