Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V W Y Z

Overview Symptoms Treatment

Jellyfish

Home Treatment: Portuguese Man-of-War: Wash with salt water. Protect affected area if possible. Soak the area with a solution of vinegar and water (1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water) for about 30 minutes to remove any remaining tentacles. Rinse the area and then resoak with more 1/2 strength vinegar. Text Continues Below (To remove remaining tentacles, may use flour or shaving cream and scrape with a dull instrument such as a credit card.) Apply a cream containing a pain killer, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid. Sea-Wasp (usually found in Australian waters): CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE. Death can occur within minutes. Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information: the patient's age, weight, and condition the name of the marine animal if possible the time stung Poison Control, or a local emergency number: They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital, and any appropriate first aid that can be administered prior to arrival. What to expect at the emergency room: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: Portuguese Man-of-War Open and maintain airway if necessary Treat the symptoms Sea Wasp Give antiserum Treat the symptoms Expectations (prognosis): Portuguese Man-of-War stings are rarely fatal. Sea-Wasp stings can be fatal in minutes.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.