Jellyfish stings can be excruciating, and these difficult-to-see creatures’ chances of getting stung are relatively high in certain areas. Unfortunately, very few people know how to treat jellyfish stings, which can cause unnecessary distress. Knowing how to treat jellyfish stings will save you a lot of pain and agony when you’re out snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming in the ocean.
The best step to avoid getting stung in the first place is through prevention. When scuba diving, surfing, or snorkeling in known jellyfish-infested waters, try and make use of protective gear, such as full-length wetsuits, gloves, booties, etc., are a great way to protect your skin from the stinging tentacles of a jellyfish. Always stay vigilant when in the water, as translucent jellyfish are often tricky to spot and usually get divers when ascending or doing a surface swim.
If you do get stung by a jellyfish, here is what you need to do:
Get Out of the Water Immediately
As soon as you realize you’ve been stung by a jellyfish, and believe me, you’ll know it is essential to get out of the water. Not just to treat the sting but because the sting may cause an anaphylactic shock or the victim to pass out due to the pain. The last place you want to be is in the water should these occur.
Remove the Tentacles From the Skin
Remove the stinging tentacles from the skin immediately, as the jellyfish tentacles contain the toxic nematocysts that cause the pain. Remember to wear gloves when removing the tentacles, or use a stick, tweezers, sand, a beach towel, or even a credit card to scrape the tentacles from the skin.
Relieve Jellyfish Stings with Vinegar, Hot Water, or a commercially available jellyfish relief solution.
Rinse the tentacles off. Rinse away the tentacles using hot water if possible. Please do not wash the affected area with fresh water, as it may worsen the stinging pain by reducing the osmotic pressure of the stinging cells, drawing out more toxins. Freshwater, however, heated to above 122F or 50C, is proven to be highly effective in rinsing away the stinging cells to inactivate the toxin in the venom. Vinegar or acetic acid works great on jellyfish stings as the mild acid breaks down the protein toxins of the jellyfish venom, providing instant relief. Urinating on the sting usually does not work and is not recommended. Always keep a bottle of ordinary kitchen vinegar when visiting the beach or scuba diving.
However, applying one commercially available jellyfish sting relief formula below works excellently. If you frequent waters where jellyfish are known to visit, then we highly recommend you purchase some.
Watch for anaphylaxis or allergic reactions.
In most cases, the victim should be okay if treated with the above-mentioned first aid steps. However, there is always the chance that the victim develops a severe allergic reaction or Anaphylaxis. Observe the victim for signs of symptoms and always seek emergency medical treatment for these:
- itching
- hives
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- tightening of the throat
- flushed skin
- weakness
- dizziness
Perform the above basic first aid and Seek emergency medical attention if the sting is caused by the box jellyfish, Irukandji, The Portuguese or Pacific man-of-war, or the bluebottle, as these stings can be very severe and will require immediate medical attention to treat.
Wipe-Away Pain for Jellyfish Sting
The medicated solution in Wipe Away Pain neutralizes poisons and delivers pain relief and a cooling medication that reduces redness and inflammation. This product proved more effective in the study than those using vinegar and aluminum sulfate. Wipe-away pain can be used for jellyfish stings, fire coral, sea licorice, hydroids, and man-o-war stings. It neutralizes poison and immediately reduces redness and inflammation.
Jellyfish Squish 4 oz Spray Bottle
This stuff works. It was formulated by two marine biologists from the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and is endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association. Jellyfish Squish comes in a 4 oz easy-to-apply spray applicator. All those who enjoy saltwater activities risk being stung by the many different jellyfish inhabiting all oceans. Jellyfish Squish has been scientifically proven to immediately and ultimately relieve the pain and itching associated with jellyfish stings.
Jellyfish Squish 1/4oz
With the same formula as the Spray bottle, the smaller compact Jellyfish Squish comes in a 1/4 oz easy-to-apply spray applicator that can easily be kept in a travel first aid kit or your beach bag.
Safe Sea Jellyfish & Sea Lice Lotion, 4 oz.
Safe Sea Jellyfish & Sea Lice Lotions are Sun Blocks that protect against jellyfish and sea licorice. Several mechanical and chemical events activate the jellyfish stinging cells. Understanding the biochemistry and cell biology of the stinging organelles enabled the development of both the concept and the technology to inhibit the triggering pathway of the stinging cells. SafeSea, a jellyfish-safe sunblock, was scientifically designed to disarm jellyfish stinging cells and protect the skin. There are five different lotions available. Safe Sea Lotion, which has no sunscreen, may be mixed 1 to 1 with your favorite sunscreen for custom protection.
There are 4 with sunscreen SPF 15, 30, 30+ (for sensitive skin and SPF 50. Safe Sea for Kids (SPF30+) is the world’s only sunscreen gel scientifically developed for children or adults with sensitive skin to help protect against the stinging of most jellyfish, Sea Nettle, Sea Lice, and Coral. This product includes sunscreen SPF 30+ specially formulated for children. Reapply this product every 2 hours for maximum protection against the hazards of jellyfish and the sun!
Jellyfish Sting Relief (1 oz.)
After Sting Gel is Tender Corporation’s new Fire Ant, Jellyfish, and Bee & Wasp sting treatment that provides immediate, effective relief, the healing process begins after Sting Gel stops the painful burning, itching, and swelling of stings and bites. After removing the stinger, apply After Sting Gel directly on the bite or sting, and it provides fast, complete relief.
