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Marine Stings and Scrapes

Overview

Walking on a beach or swimming in the ocean can be fun and relaxing. But just like with any other activities, accidents can happen. This topic gives an overview of jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings, seabather's eruption, and coral scrapes.

Stings

Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-wars can be found all over the world. They cause injury and illness through the release of venom when they come in contact with skin (stinging). While the sting of a jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war can cause severe illness and extreme pain, deaths are rare.

Jellyfish are often found in coastal waters. It's often hard to see jellyfish swimming in the water. Beached jellyfish, which may look like a clear plastic wrapper, can sting if touched.

Jellyfish stings cause intense pain and burning right away. The pain can last for several hours. Raised, red welts form along the site of the sting. The welts may last for 1 to 2 weeks, and itchy skin rashes may appear 1 to 4 weeks after the sting.

Seabather's eruption is a rash from the stings of jellyfish or sea anemone larvae. The rash can be quite itchy and annoying. But it usually goes away without medical treatment in 10 to 14 days.

Portuguese man-of-wars live in warm seas throughout the world. They float on the surface of the water with their long, stinging tentacles trailing in the water below. Detached tentacles that wash up on the beach may remain dangerous for months.

Portuguese man-of-war stings produce immediate burning pain and redness where the tentacles touched the skin. The affected area develops a red line with small white lesions. In severe cases, blisters and welts that look like a string of beads may appear. Stings that involve the eye may cause pain, swelling, excessive tears, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light. Severe reactions are most likely to occur in children and small adults. Severe toxic reactions to the venom can also occur.

Stingrays have sharp spines in their tails that can cause cuts or puncture wounds. The spines also have venom. Stingrays don't bite, but they can suck with their mouths and leave a bruise.

Coral scrapes

Coral scrapes and cuts are common injuries that may occur when you walk on a beach or swim, snorkel, or dive in warm water. You may get a skin infection if small pieces of coral, other debris, and bacteria get inside the wound. Scrapes and cuts from sharp-edged coral may take weeks or even months to heal.

Information about Marine Stings and Scrapes

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