Jellyfish Stings Treatment – Everything You Need To Know!

Symptoms of Jellyfish Stings

The symptoms of jellyfish stings vary. They may be severe or mild and immediate or delayed. In most cases, the healing is slow. The pain from Portuguese man-of-war stings is intense and lasts for hours. The stings of jellyfish or sea anemone larvae develop rashes called Seabather’s eruption.

More symptoms can include:

• Shock and pain
• Swelling in the throat, mouth, lips, tongue, mouth, ears, neck, feet, eyelids, palms
• Swelling interfering with the airways
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Confusion
• Lightheadedness
• Vertigo
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Chills
• Hives
• Muscle cramps or spasms

At times, days, weeks, or even a couple of months after the sting, skin rashes may develop, which are called delayed symptoms. These symptoms accompany other symptoms like:

• Fever
• Joint stiffness
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Itching

In such cases, the complications could subside by the medical treatment.

First Aid or Home Treatment for Jellyfish Stings

Home treatment is usually enough to eradicate skin irritation and rashes caused by minor jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war stings. Below is a basic home procedure for treating jellyfish stings.

• Step 1: Remove the person from the water and wash the affected area with vinegar. The American Heart Association recommends rinsing the area with vinegar or baking soda for 30 seconds, which helps deactivate stinging cells
• Step 2: Pluck visible tentacles with fine tweezers
• Step 3: Immerse the leg or arm in hot water (104–113°F) for around 20 minutes, or let the person take a hot shower. If the affected area can’t be soaked in hot water, cold packs can be used as an alternative
• Step 4: Apply hydrocortisone cream or administer an antihistamine by mouth to relieve the jellyfish itch and swelling. Follow-ups are essential

Note: Avoid unhelpful or unproven tips like scraping out stingers, rinsing with human urine or freshwater, applying meat tenderizer, alcohol, ethanol or ammonia, or pressure bandages. These are unproven and may cause further damage. 

Treatment for Jellyfish Stings

Even though rashes like Seabather’s eruption are uncomfortable, they are not dangerous or serious medical conditions.

• Sores that are formed due to jellyfish stings may heal without treatment
• For less severe cases, over-the-counter pain relievers or ice packs can be used
• Open sores have to be cleansed thrice a day, and antibiotics must be applied
• In severe cases, the affected person may be hospitalized, and anti-venom medication may be administered to box jellyfish stings
• Deep sores require medical treatment to prevent any further infection
• A jellyfish sting near an eye needs immediate medical care for pain control and eye flushing
• In case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) of the body system, emergency care is required

Note: If children put a part of the jellyfish tentacle in their mouth, they are at high risk of stings in the mouth or throat that cause sudden severe swelling and may become life-threatening.

How to Prevent Jellyfish Stings?

A way to prevent jellyfish stings is to avoid activities in the sea waters with jellyfish present in them. Other ways that can possibly help prevent jellyfish stings include:

• Wearing a Protective Suit: A wetsuit or other protective clothing can help when swimming or diving in areas with a high concentration of jellyfish. Stinger suits made of high-tech fabric and protective footwear work well while wading in shallow water
• Gathering Information: Collect as much information as possible from residents, lifeguards, or health department officials before attempting to swim in coastal waters where jellyfish are common. Plan to stay away from the water when the jellyfish count is high in any season

Conclusion

Spending time in the ocean can be enjoyable, but jellyfish may spoil the fun. To avoid jellyfish stings, exercise extreme caution when engaging in activities in the ocean, especially in areas where jellyfish are abundant. 

Jellyfish stings can vary in severity, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions, depending on the species and your individual health condition. Timely and appropriate treatment is essential—whether it’s at home for minor stings or emergency care for severe cases. 

To prevent stings, take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, being aware of jellyfish activity in the area, and knowing basic first aid. Familiarize yourself with the causes, symptoms, and treatments for jellyfish stings, along with effective preventive measures. 

If you experience discomfort or suspect a jellyfish sting, seek immediate medical attention to receive the proper treatment. Enjoy your water activities safely, and be prepared to handle any encounters that may pose a risk.