A randomised controlled trial of hot water (45°C) immersion versus ice packs for pain relief in bluebottle stings

• DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00265.x
• Publication Date: 2019-09-25T08:29:55Z
• Authors: Conrad Loten; Barrie Stokes; David Worsley; Jamie E Seymour; Simon Jiang; Geoffrey K Isbister
• Keywords: Statistician; Officer

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of hot water immersion for treatment Physalia sp. (bluebottle or Portuguese Man-of-War) stings. Design: Open-label, randomised comparison trial. Primary analysis was by intention to treat, with secondary nematocyst-confirmed One halfway interim planned. Setting: Surf lifesaving first aid facilities at two beaches in eastern Australia from 30 December 2003 5 March 2005. Participants: 96 subjects presenting after swimming ocean an apparent sting a bluebottle. Interventions: Hot (45°C) affected part versus ice pack application. Main outcome measures: The primary clinically important reduction pain as measured visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were development regional radiating pain, frequency systemic symptoms, and proportion pruritus rash on follow-up. Results: 49 patients received 47 packs. groups had similar baseline features, except treated more severe initial (VAS [mean ± SD]: 54 22 mm 42 mm). After 10 minutes, 53% group reported less 32% (21%; 95% CI, 1%–39%; P = 0.039). 20 87% 33% (54%; 35%–69%; 0.002). trial stopped because shown be effective (P minutes stings (95% 29%; Radiating occurred (10% 30%; Systemic effects uncommon both groups. Conclusions: Immersion 45°C is practical bluebottle