Portuguese Man-of-War’s
Background
- "Physaliaphysalis"
- Occasionally see off the Irish coast.
- Invertebrate and Carnivore.
- Small: Float = 30x12 cm long.
- Tentacles up to 50m long.
- Siphonophore = animal made up of a colony of organisms working together.
- Not a Jellyfish.
- Float in groups or pushed by wind (see sail picture).
- Tentacle stings viable for several hours on beach or on fish caught by Man-of-War at sea and washed ashore.
Symptoms
- Severe pain:
- Skin pain subsides within hours.
- Regional adenitis pain may last a day.
- Red welts (x3 days.)
- Allergic reaction is some.
Treatment
- Remove adherent tentacles (use gloves).
- Apply vinegar (or salt water - not fresh water as intensifies pain).
- Warm water (or heat packs) at max 45°c.
- Analgesia.
- Copious eye irrigation if necessary.
Content by Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan 13/09/2010. Last review Dr ÍOS 8/07/19.
