Thailand forum

The trick is never scratch the sting,it's a temptation, I know but it makes it 10* worse.
Use an anti-histamine.Probably the most effective treatment.

I think jellyfish are a bit seasonal, although I don't what drives that. I just read a few days ago about jellyfish in the waters off of Bali (or maybe it was the Gili's). I know that here in NZ in our spring time (Nov/Dec) some of our east coast beaches get massive dinner-plate sized ones. And at other times, we get nasty blue-bottles on the west coast beaches.

Honestly I wouldn't lose any sleep over it until you get there - and then just assess the situation once you are there. You can't do much about it meanwhile. I've enjoyed swimming and snorkling at various SEA islands and beaches at different times of year and haven't had any problems. But if I went back a week later, who knows?

I'm far more worried about jellyfish than sharks and sea snakes too, especially when I'm swimming far from the shore on my own. Sharks and sea snakes aren't that interested in killing you but jellyfish tentacles are indiscriminate and some species deliver very bad (lethal) stings.I got stung by a Portuguese man of war once (in Scotland). The pain was intense and my legs were totally paralysed for week. I think swimming back would be rather problematic if you got badly stung while snorkeling a long way from the nearest beach or boat.

In Thai waters you're most likely to encounter jelly fish larva which cause unpleasant rashes and itching but not severe pain and unless you have an allergic reaction they aren't dangerous ... lime juice and anti histamines help to alleviate symptoms.

There are sometimes bigger jellyfish with more painful stings about too but like Lizzy says they seem to be seasonal. I know several people who have been stung quite badly while swimming in Thailand over the years but it isn't all that common. Local remedies include applying fresh aloe vera or honey and these treatments do seem to alleviate the pain if you can't get to a doctor.

Vinegar and lime juice are acidic and are supposed to neutralise the nematocysts that are embedded in your skin, maybe the high sugar concentration in honey has a similar effect. Applying heat will also "cook" the proteins in many marine animal poisons (eg stone fish, sting ray and lion fish stings). Immediately wash the sting with water as hot as you can bear.... you need to use very hot water. A hairdryer set to the hottest setting might work too.

Don't use cold fresh water on jellyfish stings, that will only make the sting worse. Better to wash off any tentacles with salt water if no hot water is available.

Madmac
yes jellyfish stings aren't irrational fears but phobias are.take it up with the Oxford English Dictioary.The thinking is too pedantic for me.

Well, if Kris wasn't having nightmares about jellyfish before, he will be now!

I was brought up by the beach.We have the second highest tide in the world.I have memories of visitors ignoring the 'danger' signs.Some swims as little as 100 metres are suicidal because of the fast currents.Jellyfish never really bothered me.It's more important to respect the sea and listen to local knowledge.I'm sure the people living there can tell you if there is any danger from jellyfish and the seasons they come.
Madmac
Don't you have a beach on the shores of the Mekhong?

This thread is getting very one-sided.
Isn't there a champion for the jellyfish out there?
Let's hear it for jellyfish

Madmac.
your right about The Mekhong but when Ilived in Ubon we used to use the Maenam Moon, much cleaner.if the Thais hadn't screwed everything up with their visa laws I'd probably be there now.there are worse things than jellyfish, like heavy metals in the Mekhong.

Sayadian
The Thai visa laws are easy enough to work around. What did you have a problem with?

I don't share the aversion and since it's the only inconvienience I have here, I put up with it. Well, that and the driving.

As for Jellyfish, no idea if they are edible or not. I don't like fish at any rate...