Many patients suffer from contact dermatitis due to jellyfish
A 47-year-old male patient (Tan Phu district, Ho Chi Minh City) came to the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital for examination in the condition that the skin on his legs appeared many long wounds, erythematous patches were swollen, and there were deep ulcerated areas with opaque yellow pus. It is known that while swimming in Vung Tau, the patient was stung on the leg by a jellyfish.
Another case is a 55-year-old female patient (Phan Thiet City) who came to the doctor with the condition of the skin on her right arm suffering from allergic contact dermatitis, erythematous patches, swelling with ulcers, pus and discharge. necrosis due to "attack" by fire jellyfish.
According to M.D. Pham Thi Uyen Nhi - Deputy Head, Executive of General Planning Department of Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, from the beginning of summer until now, the unit has received many patients with contact dermatitis caused by jellyfish. In cases where patients come early, doctors promptly treat them with specific oral and topical medications to help quickly recover the skin inflammation.
However, there are cases where self-treatment by patients can lead to complications of infection, drainage, skin ulcers or widespread lesions that are more difficult to treat. Some cases require systemic medications such as antibiotics and strong anti-inflammatory drugs to control.
To prevent fire jellyfish stings, some beaches have forecast the risk of fire jellyfish occurrences. The Nha Trang Bay Management Board has announced the appearance of fire jellyfish at Nha Trang beaches. The unit regularly sends staff to broadcast loudspeakers along the beaches to warn about the risk of swimmers being stung by fire jellyfish during the summer.
Symptoms of being stung by a fire jellyfish
Doctor Uyen Nhi said that fire jellyfish are dangerous jellyfish and can cause irritation and allergies on human skin. When stung by a fire jellyfish, patients may experience symptoms such as severe pain, red rash, and itching. In severe cases, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate.
Regarding first aid when stung by a fire jellyfish, the patient needs to clean the wound with clean water or physiological saline. Use tweezers or wear gloves to carefully remove jellyfish tentacles still attached to the skin. Be careful not to use bare hands because they may get stuck with jellyfish venom and spread the disease to the skin area.
Then, use a cold towel or ice pack on the wound for 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Visit facilities with dermatology clinics or dermatologists to receive timely treatment to avoid unwanted complications. In addition, patients need to monitor other signs. If there are systemic signs, go immediately to the hospital for treatment and monitoring.
Note, patients should not self-treat with folk methods or apply leaves or unknown medications because it can cause more serious conditions, widespread damage or infection in the skin area stung by the jellyfish.
To prevent fire jellyfish stings when going to the beach, Dr. Uyen Nhi recommends avoiding swimming or participating in water activities in areas with fire jellyfish, wearing protective clothing when swimming such as long-sleeved swimming clothes, and knowing First aid when stung by a fire jellyfish.
