To help someone with a jellyfish sting, follow these steps based on the type of jellyfish and severity of the sting:
Immediate First Aid
- Remove the person from the water to prevent further stings and reduce risk of drowning if they are in distress
- Remove any visible tentacles carefully using tweezers or by hand (wear gloves if possible). Avoid rubbing or scraping the area, which can worsen the sting by triggering more venom release
- Rinse the sting site :
- For most jellyfish stings, rinse with vinegar for at least 30 seconds to deactivate unfired stinging cells (nematocysts)
* If vinegar is not available, rinse with **sea water** (not fresh water) to avoid triggering more venom release
* Do **not** rinse with fresh water or urine, as these can worsen the sting
Pain Relief and Further Care
- Soak or shower the affected area in hot water (about 110–113°F or 43–45°C) for 20 to 45 minutes to reduce pain. The water should be hot but not scalding
- Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching and inflammation after soaking
- Use oral pain relievers or antihistamines if needed, especially for delayed skin reactions
Special Considerations for Dangerous Jellyfish
- For box jellyfish stings , after removing tentacles, apply vinegar immediately and seek emergency medical care. Antivenom and advanced treatments may be required
- If the sting is on or near the eye or mouth , or if the person shows signs of severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling, nausea, dizziness), call emergency services immediately
What to Avoid
- Do not rub the sting area or apply pressure bandages
- Avoid using meat tenderizer, alcohol, ammonia, or urine on the sting
- Do not scrape the skin aggressively with objects like credit cards
By following these steps, you can help reduce pain, prevent further venom release, and support recovery from a jellyfish sting effectively.
