Jelly fish alert?

Jellyfish are just as much a part of Mallorca as the sea, the beach and the sun. Most of the species really can give us a scare, and while their bites do burn and are really painful, only a small number of jellyfish species however are dangerous (e.g. the Portuguese man-of-war is rare in this country). Yet this is life-threatening if the victim is allergic to the venom. The term jellyfish bite is actually misleading. They do not actually bite, rather they carry the venom inside their tentacles, and contact with these releases the nettles, hence a stinging sensation.

Protection & measures

Jellyfish bites can only be prevented with protective suits. Therefore, it is even more important to know the correct way to behave after a bite. Only wounds which cannot heal and hideous scars can be prevented.

Keep calm!

People who get hurt by a jellyfish while swimming in the sea should first of all try and remain calm, and then swim ashore quickly without getting into a panic. Those who lash out wildly will come into contact with other tentacles and will continue to activate more nettles which the jellyfish will lay on the skin.

* Even dead jellyfish and torn tentacles can still sting *

No freshwater!

Very important: Under no circumstances should the wound come into contact with freshwater! Pain-relieving ice cubes must be packaged in plastic. Freshwater or even alcohol will cause any inactive nettle capsules to discharge.

Cleaning

If needs be, the easiest way is to carefully scrape off any jellyfish mucus which has stuck by using a credit card. Salt water or vinegar can be used for rinsing.

Treatment

Burn lotion, ointments which contain cortisone, and if needs be, anti-inflammatory medication can provide relief. We will be happy to help you!