How To Treat a Jellyfish Sting

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.

Lifeguards will generally have a sting treatment kit available. Contact them immediately and alert them to your situation.

Pour seawater over the affected area. Don’t use fresh or bottled water — this can activate the toxins and intensify the sting.

With gloved hands or tweezers, remove any tentacles you can see still clinging to the sting site.

Wash the sting site with vinegar, which helps to neutralize the jellyfish poison. In a pinch, rubbing alcohol or baking soda will also work.

Cover the sting site with shaving cream, and scrape it off with a dull, flat edge. This will remove any remaining tentacles.

Again, use seawater to rinse off the area.

Take the recommended dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever.

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.