D Mebs1. 1. Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt, Deutschland, mebs@em.uni-frankfurt.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Jellyfish are distributed worldwide; they cause local skin injuries upon contact which are often followed by systemic signs of envenoming. OBJECTIVES: Which jellyfish species are of medical importance, which skin reactions and systemic symptoms occur, which first-aid measures and treatment options exist? METHODS: Review of the medical literature and discussion of first-aid and therapeutic options. RESULTS: Jellyfish capable of causing skin injuries occur in almost all oceans. Several jellyfish species may cause severe, potentially lethal, systemic symptoms; they include the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) and box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri, Carukia barnesi, Chiropsalmus quadrigatus). CONCLUSIONS: Among the injuries and envenoming symptoms caused by marine organisms, jellyfish dermatitis should not be underestimated. Skin reactions may not only a dermatological problem, but also be accompanied by complex systemic toxic symptoms which are a challenge for internists.
BACKGROUND: Jellyfish are distributed worldwide; they cause local skin injuries upon contact which are often followed by systemic signs of envenoming. OBJECTIVES: Which jellyfish species are of medical importance, which skin reactions and systemic symptoms occur, which first-aid measures and treatment options exist? METHODS: Review of the medical literature and discussion of first-aid and therapeutic options. RESULTS: Jellyfish capable of causing skin injuries occur in almost all oceans. Several jellyfish species may cause severe, potentially lethal, systemic symptoms; they include the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) and box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri, Carukia barnesi, Chiropsalmus quadrigatus). CONCLUSIONS: Among the injuries and envenoming symptoms caused by marine organisms, jellyfish dermatitis should not be underestimated. Skin reactions may not only a dermatological problem, but also be accompanied by complex systemic toxic symptoms which are a challenge for internists.
Authors: Jamie Seymour; Teresa Carrette; Paul Cullen; Mark Little; Richard F Mulcahy; Peter L Pereira Journal: Toxicon Date: 2002-10 Impact factor: 3.033
Authors: Conrad Loten; Barrie Stokes; David Worsley; Jamie E Seymour; Simon Jiang; Geoffrey K Isbister Journal: Med J Aust Date: 2006-04-03 Impact factor: 7.738