Season/cycle of jelly fish in Playa del Carmen

[BC]

My husband and I will be at the Iberostar Quetzal in May. Does anyone know when jellyfish start to wash ashore in this area? Is it each month or just in spring? In the middle of April 2001, our last day of our vacation, they appeared and they were everywhere. Should I pack something special in case one of us gets stung? I would appreciate any input about this subject.

Thanks

BC

[Munichchick]

Unfortunately you will be there during Thimble Jellyfish season. They are around from Easter to begin of June. We don't see to many washed to shore but I get itchy blisters from the jelly fish larvae (you can not see them) every time we go that time of year. I am in the water alot and out at the Reef snorkeling for hours and I had them 3 times already. It is not a getting stung like fire jellies but it is a itchy blistery rash the developes several hours (usually middle of the night) after you had an encounter as they can get trapped in your bathing suit. It does not always happen and it is not the same at all beaches. Just be aware but dont let it keep you out of that beautiful ocean! Change your bathing suite after ocean swimming and shower off with hot water and soap. Bring vinegar to put on and Benadryl pills and lotion. Do not scratch as it will make it spread!!!! There is not much you can do but let it goe away. It takes exactly 1 week and you will be fine again.

[tommy]

my daughter is allergic to jelly fish, she gets physically ill from them. i always pack meat tenderizer with me and tabacco works too. she first got bit when she was 2 she is 18 now and she swears by this stuff. a life guard was the one who first used these on her along with some of his spit ( sick i know) but it adhered better to her skin . whe gave her benadryl as well and she always seems to recoup really quick.

[BC]

Thank you for responding back to my post. Now I have something else to worry about. I am a very nervous traveler. I worry about the weather, stay in good health, the food, service, and now jellyfish. At least now I know what I can pack, maybe if I'm prepared, we will not need to use these items.

Thanks again

Bc

[Munichchick]

Don't worry to much about these things. We have been there 14 times and always had a fantastic vacation and will be back this September. You might not have any problems with the Jellies! So far we never got sick there either and we eat everything. Just stick with bottled water and not drink the tap water and brush your teeth with it as well. That is the only precaution we take. Now stop being so worried and have a wonderful vacation. You will love it!

[Beachwolverine]

All,

Meat tenderizer after a sting is good. There is a product called sea safe that is suppose to help prevent stings (or at least neutralizes them). I bought some for my wife who got stung last year - I have no idea how well it works - we're leaving this Friday. I ordered it online from leisurepro dot com. Below is description from their web site.

Description
Sun Block that also protects against Jellyfish and Sea Lice. The jellyfish stinging cells are activated by several mechanical and chemical events.

The understanding of the biochemistry and cell biology of the stinging organelles enabled the development of both the concept and the technology to inhibit the triggering pathway of the stinging cells.

SafeSea, jelly fish safe sun block, was scientifically designed to disarm jellyfish stinging cells and to protect the skin.