Bluebottles, commonly seen washed up on South Coast shores, vary in size and the severity of the sting usually depends on the amount of contact the skin has had with the tentacle.
Symptoms
* A bluebottle sting usually causes an immediate and severe pain, which generally fades over about an hour.
* You can usually see where on the body the sting has occurred, because there will be a red line where the tentacle has touched. Sometimes this line has a ‘beaded’ appearance and is swollen and itchy.
* Occasionally blisters can develop at the site of the sting and the sting might later cause scarring.
* It is very unlikely that someone who has been stung by a bluebottle will develop other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, although it is possible.
Treatment for bluebottle stings
* Carefully remove any remaining tentacles by gently washing the area in sea water and carefully picking off any tentacles, taking care to avoid further stings, preferably by wearing gloves.
* Washing the site of the sting with vinegar is NOT recommended for bluebottle stings.
* Immerse the area where the bluebottle sting has occurred in hot water (45 degrees Celsius – no hotter than the rescuer can comfortably tolerate) for at least 20 minutes or, if this is not possible, direct a hot shower on the area for this length of time.
* Use of hot water is more effective at reducing the pain of bluebottle stings than ice packs and cold water. However, if hot water is not available, a cold pack may help.
* If after this treatment there is continuing pain, itchiness or blistering at the site of the sting, it would be best to visit a doctor who might prescribe a topical treatment such as a cortisone cream to reduce the inflammatory reaction.
* If a person who has been stung by a blue bottle develops distressing chest tightness or difficulty breathing and is getting worse, get urgent medical help.
* If the sting area is large (for example, affects more than half of the arm or leg) or involves a sensitive area such as the eye, seek medical help.
* If there is continuing pain, itchiness or blistering at the site of the sting, visit a doctor.
Source: www.mydr.com.au
