PHUKET: A seasonal plague of bluebottles caused marine biologists today to warn tourists and locals to look out for the creatures in the seas around Phuket.
Bluebottles - also know as the Portuguese Man of War - can sting if encountered in the ocean.
''We have had reports of them being found on Patok beach, on Racha island,'' said Ukrit Sodbhumin, director of research at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
''Every year the bluebottles arrive with the monsoon. What's different now is that there are more tourists on Phuket and around the region at this time of year.
''Caution is advised. We hope locals and lifeguards will keep an eye out for the bluebottles and warn tourists to avoid them.''
Treatment in the case of bluebottle stings was best with seawater, he said. Vinegar is recommended to treat the toxicity of all other jellyfish stings, which can go on destroying flesh if vinegar is not applied.
Bluebottles - also know as the Portuguese Man of War - can sting if encountered in the ocean.
''We have had reports of them being found on Patok beach, on Racha island,'' said Ukrit Sodbhumin, director of research at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
''Every year the bluebottles arrive with the monsoon. What's different now is that there are more tourists on Phuket and around the region at this time of year.
''Caution is advised. We hope locals and lifeguards will keep an eye out for the bluebottles and warn tourists to avoid them.''
Treatment in the case of bluebottle stings was best with seawater, he said. Vinegar is recommended to treat the toxicity of all other jellyfish stings, which can go on destroying flesh if vinegar is not applied.
There seems to be conflicting advice for Bluebottle stings. mydr.com.au states this:
Following a bluebottle sting it is important to carefully remove any remaining tentacles. This should be done by gently washing the area in sea water and carefully picking off any tentacles, taking care to avoid further stings, preferably by wearing gloves.
Washing the site of the sting with vinegar is NOT recommended for bluebottle stings. It is now recommended that the area where the bluebottle sting has occurred be immersed in hot water (45 degrees Celsius - no hotter than the rescuer can comfortably tolerate) for at least 20 minutes or, if this is not possible, direct a hot shower on the area for this length of time.
Posted by Ady on June 20, 2014 11:27
Editor Comment:
Where's the conflict, Ady?