[Jellyfish sting injuries].

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.