Dr. Efi Markou gives practical - useful advice (interview of Dr. Efi Markou on epirusonline.gr)
Summer with purple jellyfish for which the Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory draws the attention of bathers stressing that we should not enter the sea when we see them.
Due to the neurotoxin they have, purple jellyfish are one of the most dangerous species of jellyfish in the Mediterranean, and the symptoms in the event that they sting us are: Pain like burning, intense redness of the skin but also the appearance of their imprint on the part of the skin that stings us they have stung
Dermatologist Efi Markou was asked and gave useful advice on what to do in case we are stung by a purple jellyfish.
"The first advice I will give is to be as informed as possible about the beach we are going to and also about any appearance of purple jellyfish in the sea. In case we are informed about the presence of jellyfish, it is wise not to swim, neither we nor any other member of our company or family", emphasized the doctor.
However, if we come into contact with a purple jellyfish and are stung we should follow the steps below:
– Wash carefully with sea water, without rubbing the area of the bite.
– If available, apply a mixture of seawater and baking soda (in a 1:1 ratio) for two minutes to stop any additional venom secretion from possible remnants of tentacle cells left on the skin.
– We use a plastic bank card or similar (not our hands) to remove the baking soda mixture and any residue from our skin
– Apply ice to the bite for 5-15 minutes. Ice, or even an iced soft drink, should be in a bag or other covering, such as a cloth or t-shirt.
– We check if the pain has subsided, and if necessary we apply ice again for another 5-15 minutes.
– Do not wrap the bite site tightly with bandages, do not use vinegar, fresh water, alcohol, or ammonia.
Finally Ms. Markou points out that if the pain persists you should consult a doctor to prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory creams (such as 3-4% lidocaine and hydrocortisone).