Jellyfish Stings – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Health providers usually spot a jellyfish sting by examining the affected skin. Red welts or linear tracks, often shaped like tentacles, are a key sign. These marks may appear immediately after the sting and can be painful, itchy, or swollen.
If needed, providers may collect tiny remnants of the jellyfish’s stinging cells—called nematocysts—for closer examination under a microscope. However, diagnosis is typically made based on visible symptoms and a history of recent exposure to seawater.
In more severe cases, signs like difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, or a widespread rash may indicate a systemic reaction, prompting urgent evaluation.
Key points for diagnosis include:
Recognizable sting patterns on the skin
Recent swimming or ocean exposure
Presence of local or systemic symptoms
Rarely, lab tests if secondary complications occur
Early identification allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications such as infection, allergic reactions, or scarring.
Treatment
Initial Care
Act quickly and carefully when treating jellyfish stings. Use tweezers to gently remove any visible tentacles from the skin.
After removal, soak the affected area in hot water between 110°F and 113°F (43°C to 45°C). Make sure the water feels very warm but not too hot.
Keep the area submerged, or use a hot shower, for at least 20 minutes or until the pain becomes mild.
Apply a thin layer of 0.5% to 1% hydrocortisone cream two times a day to relieve discomfort and reduce redness. Calamine lotion can also soothe the skin.
| Step | Tool or Method |
|---|---|
| Remove tentacles | Fine tweezers |
| Soak in hot water | Water at 110-113°F (43-45°C) |
| Soothe skin | Hydrocortisone cream or calamine |
What Not to Do
Avoid certain actions because they can make the sting worse or do not help.
- Do not scrape the skin to remove stingers.
- Do not rinse with fresh cold water, human urine, or apply meat tenderizer.
Alcohol, ammonia, and rubbing the area with a towel can cause harm. Avoid using pressure bandages directly on the sting.
Advanced Medical Help
Severe stings often require urgent professional treatment. If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain, or is stung by a box jellyfish, doctors might provide life support, CPR, or antivenom.
Doctors may give oral antihistamines or corticosteroids to help with ongoing itch or rashes. They can also offer pain relievers if needed. If a jellyfish stings the eyes, medical staff will rinse them right away to reduce damage and pain.
