Delaware, like almost every east coast state, has seen in an increase in jellyfish in local waters. Although very common in bay waters that are usually warmer than the ocean, even ocean towns are reporting more jellyfish in the surf, leading to more stings. Recently, on Slaughter Beach, several visitors who were not native to Delaware learned what an encounter with the creatures can bring.
“What was that?” a young man asked as he carried a screaming child out of the water with a sting on her leg. Another child with him came up out of the water with one on his head, leading him to be taken to the hospital.
According to DNREC, there are four common types of jellyfish in this area. The largest found in Delaware waters is the lion’s mane, which is also the largest known jellyfish species. Their bright tentacles look like a lion’s mane and have an orange color. The largest found was in Massachusetts with a bell that was over seven feet across and tentacles more than 120 feet long. A lion’s mane jellyfish uses tentacles to pull fish and smaller jellyfish in and, although their sting is not fatal to humans, it can be quite painful, leaving red welts.
The Atlantic Sea Nettle eats other jellyfish and crustaceans. They are usually clear with small white dots and reddish-brown stripes. Although the sting can be very painful, it is not fatal. The Moon Jellyfish looks like a flying saucer in the water and can actually light up at night. They are clear and usually smaller than other jellyfish. Their sting does not penetrate the skin, but you may feel a slight stinging sensation if you brush one.
The Sea Walnut is shaped just like its name and is usually transparent or white. They do not have tentacles and if hit by a light source, can give off a rainbow spectrum of colors. Because they do not have tentacles they cannot sting.
The tentacles of a jellyfish contain venom encased in what are called nematocysts. Since the tentacles of a jellyfish can be very long, it is easy for a swimmer not to see them. However, once they brush against the venomous tentacles, the pain is instant. The nemotocysts attach to the skin and expand, releasing the venom.
“Once stung, angry, red whiplike lash marks mar the skin,” Joseph Burnett, a dermatologist who is part of the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Consortium of Jelly Fish Stings, said. “The pain radiates from the sting site and starts to itch, burn and throb as it blisters. Scratching makes the pain worse, because rubbing activates the nematocysts who release more venom.”
Dr. Christopher Holstege, a toxicologist and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Virginia, explained that there are treatments that can alleviate the pain.
“In this area, vinegar is the best treatment or five percent acetic acid,” Holstege said. “First, wash the area with saltwater in order to deactivate the nematocysts that are still hanging on. Do not use freshwater as that can set off more stinging.”
There is an old wives tale that claims urine can reduce the sting from a jellyfish, but this has been proven false.
“I can think of many things I would rather have on me,” Holstege said. “The concentration of salts and other compounds that exist in urine can actually make the sting worse, similar to adding freshwater to the sting.”
A baking soda and seawater paste can also reduce the stinging. Once the stinging lessens, coating the sting with shaving cream or a slurry of seawater and sand followed by “shaving” with a credit card, or a razor can help remove any lingering nematocysts.
Burnett explained that common jellyfish along the eastern seaboard are unlikely to kill a human. However, in cases similar to the young child on Slaughter Beach, a face sting can lead to complications like eye or lip swelling. In addition, it is possible for someone to be allergic to a jellyfish sting which could lead to complications.
“If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe pain or signs of a severe allergic reaction, see a doctor,” Burnett said. “Signs of allergic reaction like swelling of the lips, face or tongue, trouble swallowing or dizziness. If you develop hives, severe itching or swelling, get medical attention as soon as you can.”
It is also important to know that even a jellyfish washed up on the beach can still sting when touched. The nematocysts are triggered by touch and can even sting if the jellyfish is no longer alive as they are not controlled by the jellyfish’s nervous system. They can remain active even days after a jellyfish has died.
