As if we parents didn't have enough things to worry about during a trip to the beach, officials are warning that fireworms, a centipede-like sea creature with sharp bristles, are washing up on the shores of Texas beaches.
While not usually a threat to humans, according to CultureMap Dallas, their hollow bristles can inject a potent neurotoxin that can cause painful burning, nausea, and dizziness.
The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies explains, "it literally feels like fire for about three hours. Your skin can feel sensitive in the sting site for weeks, depending on where it stung you."
If you happen to get stung, swimmers should apply vinegar or isopropyl alcohol to the affected area and then remove the bristles with tweezers or adhesive tape. Although the sting can be painful, the neurotoxin is not potent enough to be deadly.
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