Delayed deep dermal necrosis after jellyfish sting in a 4-year-old female infant

Diana Desax-Willer1, Thomas Krebs1, Samuel Christen1,2

  • 1Children´s Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen/Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Insights

Jellyfish stings can cause severe leg necrosis in children. Early surgical debridement and vacuum therapy effectively managed tissue loss in a young patient.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Jellyfish envenomation can lead to severe cutaneous complications.
  • Deep dermal necrosis is a rare but serious consequence of marine stings.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old female experienced deep dermal necrosis of bilateral legs following jellyfish contact in Thailand.
  • The patient presented with progressive soft tissue damage.

Findings:

  • Stepwise radical debridement was performed to remove necrotic tissue.
  • Vacuum-assisted wound therapy was implemented to manage the extensive wounds.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe cutaneous injury from jellyfish stings in pediatric patients.
  • Aggressive surgical intervention and advanced wound care techniques are crucial for managing such cases and preventing further tissue loss.

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