First Aid & Emergencies

Jellyfish Sting Treatment

For more information about severe allergic reaction, see Anaphylaxis.

1. Get the Person Out of the Water

2. Stop Stinging

For a jellyfish sting in non-tropical waters:

• Wash the area with seawater to deactivate stinging cells.

For a sting in tropical waters -- especially from box jellyfish:

• Rinse immediately with vinegar. Do not use fresh or tap water, which can reactivate stinging cells.

• Continue until you can get medical help.

3. Decontaminate and Remove Tentacles

For stings not from a box jellyfish:

• Apply vinegar for 30 minutes.

• If vinegar is not available, apply shaving cream, soap lather, or paste of sand or mud and seawater.

• Scrape with razor or credit card to remove stinging cells.

• Reapply vinegar.

4. Treat Discomfort

• Use mild hydrocortisone cream or oral antihistamine to relieve itching and swelling.

5. Follow Up

For less severe sting:

• Use ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers for welts.

• Clean open sores 3 times a day and apply antibiotic ointment. Bandage if needed.

For a severe reaction:

• The person may be hospitalized for several days.

• Anti-venom will be administered for box jellyfish stings.