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Effect of Rinse Solutions on Rhizostoma pulmo (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) Stings and the Ineffective Role of Vinegar in Scyphozoan Jellyfish Species

Author

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  • Ainara Ballesteros

    (Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
    ISDIN, Innovation and Development, C. Provençals 33, 08019 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Macarena Marambio

    (Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Carles Trullas

    (ISDIN, Innovation and Development, C. Provençals 33, 08019 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Eric Jourdan

    (ISDIN, Innovation and Development, C. Provençals 33, 08019 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Jose Tena-Medialdea

    (IMEDMAR-UCV-Institute of Environment and Marine Science Research, Universidad Católica de Valencia SVM, C. Explanada del Puerto S/n, 03710 Calp, Spain)

  • Josep-Maria Gili

    (Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

Rhizostoma pulmo is a widely distributed scyphozoan in the Mediterranean Sea. Their stings result mainly in erythema, small vesicles, or/and pain, and cause a high number of bathers to seek assistance from first-aid services during the summer season. Despite the threat that jellyfish stings represent to public health, there is disagreement in the scientific community on first-aid protocols, with the dispute largely centered around the effectiveness of vinegar. In the present research, we investigated the effect of commonly used rinse solutions on nematocyst discharge in R. pulmo and the effect of vinegar on three more scyphozoans ( Aurelia sp., Cassiopea sp., and Rhizostoma luteum ). Scented ammonia, vinegar, and acetic acid triggered nematocyst discharge in R. pulmo . Vinegar also caused nematocyst discharge in Aurelia sp., Cassiopea sp., and R. luteum . In contrast, seawater, baking soda, freshwater, urine, and hydrogen peroxide were considered neutral solutions that did not induce nematocyst discharge. These results indicate that the use of vinegar, acetic acid, or commercial products based on these compounds is counterproductive. Their use can worsen pain and discomfort caused not only by R. pulmo stings but also by those of any scyphozoan. The use of seawater is recommended for cleaning the R. pulmo sting site until an inhibitor solution that irreversibly prevents nematocyst discharge is discovered.

Suggested Citation

  • Ainara Ballesteros & Macarena Marambio & Carles Trullas & Eric Jourdan & Jose Tena-Medialdea & Josep-Maria Gili, 2023. "Effect of Rinse Solutions on Rhizostoma pulmo (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) Stings and the Ineffective Role of Vinegar in Scyphozoan Jellyfish Species," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2344-:d:1049631
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antonella De Donno & Adele Idolo & Francesco Bagordo & Tiziana Grassi & Alessandro Leomanni & Francesca Serio & Marcello Guido & Mariarita Canitano & Serena Zampardi & Ferdinando Boero & Stefano Pirai, 2014. "Impact of Stinging Jellyfish Proliferations along South Italian Coasts: Human Health Hazards, Treatment and Social Costs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Sara Almeida Cunha & Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, 2022. "Raising Awareness on the Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Jellyfish Stings: A Worldwide Increasing Threat," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-27, July.
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