SOUTH Coast shorelines are riddled with bluebottles.
As people flock to the beaches bathers are cautioned to be aware of bluebottles while swimming at local beaches.
These pesky creatures are known as jellyfish with venomous tentacles and vary in size. The severity of the sting usually depends on the amount of contact the skin has had with the tentacle.
If a bluebottle feels threatened, it is able to deflate its ‘bubble’ and go into a submarine mode for a while.
Their sting is different to that of a jellyfish, so while a jelly’s sting can be treated with vinegar, this is not ideal for a bluebottle’s and it can actually cause more discomfort. Hot water is more effective at reducing the pain.
“Blue bottles do not seek out humans as prey, but if we happen to be in the water at the same time as them and we come into contact with one of their tentacles, it will trigger a reflex release of nematocysts (stinging cells),” explains marine biologist, Ann Kunz, of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research.
Symptoms of a bluebottle sting:
• 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.
How to treat a bluebottle sting:
• 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.
• 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 (no hotter than you 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.
• Visit a doctor if you are still experiencing pain, itchiness or blistering at the site of the sting after this treatment.
• If you develop distressing chest tightness or difficulty breathing and is getting worse after been stung by a blue bottle, 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.
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