If you get stung by a jellyfish, here are some steps you can take:
- Get out of the water.
- Stop the stinging:
- Rinse the affected area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. Vinegar is safe and effective for all types of jellyfish stings.
- Remove any tentacles with a pair of tweezers.
- After removing the tentacles, soak the affected area in hot water (104-113 F or 40-45 C) for at least 20 minutes. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the water is hot but not scalding. A hot shower is OK if that’s easier than soaking. Stay in the water for 20 to 45 minutes.
- Treat discomfort:
- Use mild hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine to relieve itching and swelling.
- Follow up:
- For less severe stings, use ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines for welts. Clean open sores three times a day and apply antibiotic ointment. Bandage if needed.
- For a severe reaction, call 911 if the person displays signs of a severe allergic reaction, the sting is from a box jellyfish, or the sting covers more than half an arm or leg. You may be in the hospital for several days. You need antivenin (also called antivenom) for Australian box jellyfish stings. Get to an ER and get the antivenin as quickly as you can.
Its important to note that you should not rinse with fresh water (like tap or bottled water) because that can make more stingers fire. Rinsing a sting with seawater may prevent stingers from releasing more venom. Also, do not scrape off any stingers still in the skin.
