A jelly sting is the result of physical contact with the tentacles of a jellyfish, triggering the release of venom into the skin.
Understanding Jellyfish Stings
Jellyfish stings are caused by the following mechanism:
- Tentacle Contact: The sting occurs when a person brushes against a jellyfish tentacle.
- Microscopic Stingers: Jellyfish tentacles are equipped with thousands of tiny, barbed stingers.
- Venom Delivery: Each stinger has a bulb containing venom and a coiled, sharp tube.
- Trigger Mechanism: When contact is made, tiny triggers on the tentacle surface release the stingers.
- Injection: These released stingers then penetrate the skin and inject venom.
How the Venom is Injected
The following describes how the venom is released:
- Contact: When the tentacle touches a surface.
- Activation: Triggers on the tentacle cause the stingers to activate.
- Penetration: The sharp-tipped tubes on the stinger penetrate the skin.
- Injection: Venom from the bulb is injected through the tube into the skin.
What Causes a Jelly Sting?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Direct Touch | The most common cause, directly contacting the jellyfish's tentacles |
| Washed up | Stings can happen even from dead jellyfish or detached tentacles found on the beach. |
What to Do if Stung
While the effects of a sting vary between species, here are general first aid steps:
- Remove Tentacles: Carefully remove any remaining tentacles, using gloves or a tool if available.
- Rinse with Seawater: Rinse the affected area with seawater. Avoid fresh water as it can activate more stingers.
- Seek Medical Help: If the sting is severe, from a venomous jellyfish, or causing systemic symptoms (like nausea or breathing difficulty), seek immediate medical attention.
