Summer is not yet at its peak, but the jellyfish are already here. In recent days, documentation of a large and rare jellyfish on the beaches of Eilat was published, and reports of jellyfish have already arrived from the Mediterranean beaches as well. This does not necessarily mean that the jellyfish swarms have already arrived in their full intensity, but it is definitely the time to remember how to properly prepare for the bathing season.
Jellyfish are an almost permanent part of the Israeli summer. Sometimes you see them clearly in the water or on the beach, and sometimes you feel the sting without seeing them – in a high concentration of jellyfish, skin irritation can be caused even without direct contact with the jellyfish itself. In any case, the encounter with them is unpleasant and it is very important to know how to treat and avoid.
A jellyfish sting is similar in many cases to a superficial burn. It can cause a burning sensation, local pain, redness, itching, and tingling. In most cases, this is an event that may last between hours to up to a few days, and therefore strict adherence to proper treatment from the very first moment can reduce the intensity of the irritation and pain and prevent worsening.
Before entering the water
The most effective way to avoid a jellyfish sting is also the most obvious way: Simply do not enter the sea when there is a high concentration of jellyfish in it. Since you do not always want to or can give up on the sea, it is advisable to check in advance if there are reports of jellyfish on the beach you are planning to reach. The jellyfish move in clusters, and therefore it is possible that on one beach there will be high activity and on another beach, not far from it, the situation will be calmer.
Even after arriving at the beach, it is worth stopping a moment before entering the water. If you see jellyfish in the water, jellyfish that washed ashore, or if other bathers report stinging, it is better to choose another spot or avoid entering the water in that area.
In the next stage, it is worth knowing that you can use designated products whose purpose is to help reduce the risk of a sting. These are products that combine sun protection with ingredients that help protect against jellyfish stings. It is important to use them according to the manufacturer's instructions, apply a sufficient amount before entering the water, and renew the application in accordance with the guidelines – especially after bathing, sweating, or wiping with a towel.
Stung anyway? There is something to do
Make sure to have an emergency kit in the bag. There are a few simple things that can help in case of a sting: A small bottle of vinegar, a product for soothing the skin, and an available cooling product, like a cold water bottle or an ice pack.
Pay attention: If you are using a product to soothe the skin, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist in case of sensitive skin, young children, or a tendency to skin reactions. In the pharmacy, there are various products for soothing irritated skin, including aloe vera gel, calamine lotion, products for the relief of bites and irritations, and additional products designed to reduce the sensation of burning, redness, and itching.
Water, ice – and no urine
In case of a sting, the first thing that is important to do is not to rub the spot. Even if the area burns or itches, rubbing can worsen the irritation and activate additional stinging cells remaining on the skin. If you see remnants of a jellyfish on the skin, they must be removed gently using a stick, a rigid card, or a similar object, and not with bare hands.
Afterwards, the area must be rinsed. The recommendation is not to rinse immediately with fresh water, because fresh water can encourage the action of the stinging cells. Instead, rinse with salt water, such as seawater from an area clean of jellyfish, or with vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar or lemon juice). In case of injury to the eye area, rinse with seawater only (and not with vinegar) and seek medical treatment.
After the area has been cleaned and rinsed, cooling the spot can ease the burning sensation. You can use a cold water bottle, a cold can, a wrapped popsicle, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. It is important not to place ice directly on the skin, so as not to cause additional irritation.
Later on, products for soothing the skin can be used, similar to the treatment of a minor burn or skin irritation. Products like aloe vera, calamine, or designated products for soothing itching and redness can assist in easing the burning sensation. Use according to the manufacturer's instructions, and in case of doubt, especially when it comes to children, sensitive skin, or a significant sting, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist or a medical call center.
It is also important to avoid unsubstantiated treatments. Urine is not a recommended treatment for a jellyfish sting, and rubbing, scratching, or using unsuitable materials can also worsen the situation instead of soothing it.
<br>When to seek medical treatment?
In most cases, a jellyfish sting passes on its own within a relatively short time, but there are situations where you should not settle for home treatment. If it is an extensive sting, an injury to the eyes, unusual pain, significant redness, swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fever, weakness, or muscle pain, you must seek medical treatment. Even if there is no significant relief after the initial treatment, or if the reaction seems unusual compared to a regular sting, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.
The jellyfish are a part of the Israeli summer, but they do not have to ruin the recreation at the sea. An early check of the beach's condition, proper use of suitable products, basic preparation in the sea bag, and proper treatment in case of a sting can make a significant difference. The most important rule is to arrive prepared: Check before entering, avoid areas with a multiplicity of jellyfish, do not rub in case of a sting, rinse correctly, cool the spot, and use a suitable soothing product. And in any case of an unusual reaction, injury to the eyes, or an extensive sting, do not wait, and seek medical treatment.
Brought to your attention by Ophir Rubin, senior pharmacist and franchisee of Super-Pharm