Citation

Mebs D. Hautarzt 2014; 65(10): 873-878.

Vernacular Title

Durch Quallen verursachte Verletzungen.

Affiliation

Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt, Deutschland, mebs@em.uni-frankfurt.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00105-013-2676-0

PMID

24992909

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.

Language: de