Jellyfish stings can be painful, but most are not emergencies. Here are some steps to take for treating a jellyfish sting:
- Rinse the area with seawater. Dont use freshwater, as it can cause the nematocysts (tiny stingers) to release more venom.
- Using tweezers or gloved hands, remove any tentacles you see in your skin.
- Soak the affected area in hot water for 20 to 45 minutes. The water should be between 110 to 113 F (43 to 45 C) . This can help to ease the pain and reduce the venom's effects.
- Apply vinegar to the affected area to stop the venom in stingers.
- Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and pain.
It's important to avoid using freshwater, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, urine, or ice, as they can cause the nematocysts to release more venom. If the sting is from a box jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war, dilute vinegar is a good first aid. If the sting is severe or you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
