How To Treat a Jellyfish Sting
- July 21, 2008
- 10,787 Views
Writer
Rachel_Korowitz
Music (track 1)
Todd Mazierski
Music (track 2)
Kyle Hildenbrand
Voice Over Artist
Amanda Yachechak
- Show:
- Guide
- Transcript
Usually, jellyfish are fairly harmless. But sometimes, a day at the beach can lead to a stingy situation.
You Will Need
- Seawater
- Vinegar
- Gloves or tweezers
- Shaving cream and a flat edge
- An over-the-counter pain reliever
- A doctor
- Rubbing alcohol
- Baking Soda
Jellyfish stings can cause severe allergic reactions and death. If the victim shows signs of progressive symptoms including nausea, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 1: Leave the sting alone
Your first instinct may be to scratch the sting site, but try to leave it alone. Rubbing or patting the affected area may release more venom and spread the sting.
Step 2: Consult the lifeguard
Lifeguards will generally have a sting treatment kit available. Contact them immediately and alert them to your situation.
Step 3: Wash the area
Pour seawater over the affected area. Don’t use fresh or bottled water — this can activate the toxins and intensify the sting.
Step 4: Remove remnants
With gloved hands or tweezers, remove any tentacles you can see still clinging to the sting site.
Do not remove tentacles with bare hands. The jellyfish venom may still be active.
Step 5: Take a vinegar bath
Wash the sting site with vinegar, which helps to neutralize the jellyfish poison. In a pinch, rubbing alcohol or baking soda will also work.
Although peeing on a jellyfish sting is a common folk remedy, it only works if the urine is acidic — like if you’ve been taking vitamin C tablets, for example.
Step 6: Have a fake shave
Cover the sting site with shaving cream, and scrape it off with a dull, flat edge. This will remove any remaining tentacles.
Step 7: Rinse again
Again, use seawater to rinse off the area.
Step 8: Take a pain reliever
Take the recommended dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Step 9: Visit the doctor
Check in with your physician — they may prescribe additional treatments to alleviate pain. Also, if it’s been more than ten years since your last tetanus shot, you may need an injection.
Poisons in jellyfish tentacles can stay active for up to six months.
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Comments (2)
Um. She should form a modern dance troupe.
over 3 years ago by norgon
Also, if you are in an area where you think jellyfish may be in, wearing pantyhose on your arms an legs will prevent the stingers from penetrating your skin.
about 1 year ago by bindiboi
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