@article{ref1,
title="Skin and systemic manifestations of jellyfish stings in Iraqi fishermen",
journal="Libyan journal of medicine",
year="2009",
author="Al-Rubiay, K. K. and Al-Musaoi, H. A. and Alrubaiy, L. and Al-Freje, M. J.",
volume="4",
number="2",
pages="-",
abstract="Background: Jellyfish stings are common worldwide with an estimated 150 million cases annually, and their stings cause a wide range of clinical manifestations from skin inflammation to cardiovascular and respiratory collapse. No studies on jellyfish stings have been carried out in Basra, Iraq. Objectives: To describe the immediate and delayed skin reactions to White Jellyfish (Rhizostoma sp.) stings and the types of local treatment used by fishermen. Methods and Materials: 150 fishermen were enrolled at three Marine stations in Basra, Iraq. Demographic data, types of skin reactions, systemic manifestations and kinds of treatments were collected. Results: Overall, 79% of fishermen in all three Marine stations gave a history of having been stung. The common sites of sings were the hands and arms followed by the legs. Most fishermen claimed that stings led to skin reactions within 5 minutes. The presenting complaints were itching, burning sensation, and erythematic wheals. A few days after the sting, new groups of painless and itchy erythematous monomorphic papular rashes developed at the site of the sting in 62% of cases as a delayed type of skin reaction that resolved spontaneously. The local remedies commonly used by the fishermen were seawater, tap water and ice. A few fishermen considered stings as insignificant and did not think there was a need to seek medical help. Conclusions: We conclude that jellyfish causes many stings among fishermen in the Basra region. Their stings lead to immediate and delayed skin reactions. Selftreatment by topical remedies is common.   Key words:  Contact dermatitis, Rhizostoma, Fishermen, Jellyfish stings, Iraq.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1993-2820",
doi="10.4314/ljm.v4i2.43424",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ljm.v4i2.43424"
}