What Does a Jellyfish Sting Look Like?
Depending on the potency of the jellyfish’s venom, symptoms may include swelling, vomiting, rash, muscle cramps, tachycardia, shortness of breath, a burning sensation, and severe pain. If any of these symptoms occur, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Jellyfish stings typically leave marks that resemble tentacle patterns. Initially, the stings may not be visible, but pain is felt immediately upon contact with the tentacles. Over time, redness and blisters filled with serous fluid may appear—these should not be punctured (similar to second-degree burns).
A jellyfish sting can be slow to heal and prone to infection. Proper hygiene is essential during the healing process. The wound should be disinfected and covered with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection. Skin irritation from the sting can last up to two weeks, after which the affected skin may peel and become itchy.
First Aid for a Jellyfish Sting
When providing first aid to someone who has been stung by a jellyfish, the first step is to remove them from the water, as muscle spasms caused by the venom can lead to drowning. Next, seek assistance from a lifeguard station or medical personnel if available. If professional help is not immediately accessible, administer first aid yourself, provided there are no life-threatening symptoms.
The person affected should avoid sudden movements, rubbing, or scratching the wound, as this can spread the venom further in the body. If tentacles remain on the skin, they should be carefully removed using tweezers or fingers protected by a thick fabric. Rubbing the wound with sand is not recommended, as it may cause infection. Contrary to popular myths, jellyfish stings should not be rinsed with ammonia, alcohol, freshwater, seawater, or human urine. The wound can be rinsed with vinegar, which may help alleviate the sting (except in cases involving Portuguese man-of-war stings, where vinegar is not recommended).
Shortly after the sting, the affected area can be immersed in warm water (about 45°C or 113°F) for approximately 30 minutes, which helps neutralize the venom. In the later stages of healing, the wound can be gently cooled with a hydrogel dressing, which also protects the wound and provides pain relief (however, ice cubes should not be applied directly to the skin). Pain from the sting can be managed with pain relievers, while antihistamines can help reduce the burning sensation. Hydrocortisone cream is recommended for swelling.
A person who has been stung should not be left unattended. If alarming symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, or breathing difficulties appear, emergency medical assistance should be called immediately.
How to Prevent Jellyfish Stings?
The most effective way to avoid jellyfish stings is to stay out of waters where jellyfish are known to inhabit. Consulting with local residents is helpful, as they often know the peak seasons for jellyfish presence and avoid swimming during those times. Another preventive measure is wearing protective swimwear, such as wetsuits, since regular swimsuits do not provide adequate protection against jellyfish tentacles. Some beaches also have warning flags indicating the presence of jellyfish in the water.
It’s important to remember that while jellyfish may appear small, their tentacles can extend several meters. If you see a jellyfish while swimming, it’s best to keep your distance to avoid contact with its tentacles. Unfortunately, jellyfish tentacles can still cause stings even when detached from the jellyfish’s body. Therefore, before entering the water, check for any jellyfish warnings in the area where you are staying.
Jellyfish are often washed ashore by waves and can still pose a risk on the sand. Even though they cannot survive without water, their tentacles remain capable of stinging if stepped on or picked up.
