Jellyfish dermatitis treated by the extract of ipomea pes-caprae.

ABSTRACT

Irritant contact dermatitis caused by Jellyfish and related Coelenterates are severe reactions which usually last for a long period, even after dermatitis has subsided. There is no antidote for these toxic substance, which are toxic proteins. Ipomea pes-caprae, the creeper of the family Convolvulaceae, which is found in abundance along warm water seashores is used as a medicant for jellyfish dermatitis by Thai fisherman. The leaves are usually used as an antidote and an antipruritic agent. This study was intended to determine if this plant is an effective treatment for jellyfish dermatitis or not. An extraction from the leaves of Ipomea pes-caprae by ether was prepared in the form of 1% cream (IPA 1%), was applied topically on 12 patients with jellyfish dermatitis. Five of the subjects who had only mild, pruritic erythematous papules received IPA 1%. Within the first day of treatment, they were releaved from itching and the dermatitis disappeared within two days. Seven patients with severe erosion and ulceration of the skin because if jellyfish dermatitis received IPA 1% within 3-30 days after the initial symptoms. There was 50% improvement seen within 7 days and complete recovery within 30-45 days, leaving few hypertrophic scars. These results show that IPA 1% is a very useful and effective drug for jellyfish dermatitis, especially with early and mild coses. In severe cases, no recurrence of symptoms, something which is usually found with other forms of treatment, was observed. IPA 1% cream was found to be a mild antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antidote for jellyfish toxin.