Many dangers lurk by the sandy seashores and their surrounding deep blue waters.
While many individuals may worry about being bitten by the infamous great white shark, they are much more likely to be stung by a jellyfish, sea urchin, or spiny fish while enjoying a day at the beach. Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 57 th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Mark J. Scharf, M.D., Associate Professor, Division of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, discussed the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of waterborne injuries and diseases of the skin. In the warm coastal waters of oceans and seas throughout the world, jellyfish stings are the most common marine injury to swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. To treat a jellyfish sting, the injured person should be removed from the water and the affected part should be immobilized. If these substances are not available, seawater can be used to rinse off the tentacles.