Treating Jellyfish Stings

If a person is stung by a jellyfish, care for the sting has to be taken immediately. If there are any rescuers of the affected person, they need to take protective caution against coming into any contact with either the jellyfish or its tentacles. If protective gloves and clothing can be worn, it is wise to do so. If there are any tentacles still attached to the victim, they need to be removed with extreme care. Protective gloves and forceps should be used.

The affected area where the sting occurred should be rinsed with salt water. If no salt water is available, the area shouldnt be rinsed at all. This is because fresh water can activate the nematocysts from the tentacles and make the situation worse. Acetic acid, which is white vinegar, should be applied to the wound. If there are any un-discharged nematocysts and toxins left, white vinegar will help inactivate them.

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used if the victim is in pain. For those that seem ill or sick to their stomach, they should lie down and relax. Later, itching may be treated with a topical solution, or by taking medicine for itch, such as Benadryl. A tetanus shot might also be in order.

If the sting is severe and the victim is in horrible pain, a trip to the ER will be necessary. If there is breathing problems, which can occur, the victim may need to be hooked up to breathing treatments. Vital signs will be watched closely, especially blood pressure and shock. In rare cases where the jellyfish was deadly, such as the box jellyfish, anti-venom will be administered.

It is important to follow up with your doctor, especially if an infection has set in. Getting the proper medical treatment is necessary when one is the victim of a jellyfish sting. The easiest way to take care of jellyfish stings is to prevent them in the first place. If there is a place that higher numbers of jellyfish have been reported, do not swim there. Wet suits and the like can help prevent stings from jellyfish if you do get too close. Gloves should be worn underwater, especially for those who are exploring and touching coral reefs and such.