How to Care for Jellyfish Stings

When it comes to jellyfish stings, avoiding infested waters is the best solution. However, there are times when contact is unavoidable. Jellyfish stings are extremely painful due to toxins found in jellyfish tentacles and should be treated immediately. A common misconception is that urine can relieve the pain from a sting. However, there are other more effective ways to treat a sting that do not involve sacrificing your dignity.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Paper towel or thin cloth
• Gloves
• Stick or tweezers
• Shaving cream or baking soda
• Credit card or a safety razor
• Antibiotic ointment
• Soap and water
• Bandage
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Pain reliever (such as ibuprofen or aspirin)

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Instructions

Immediate Care

• 1

  Coat the affected area in vinegar immediately following the sting. Soak a paper towel or cloth in vinegar. Apply the towel to the area and leave it in place for 30 minutes. Alternatively, pour the vinegar over the area. Allow the vinegar to remain on the skin for at least 30 minutes.

• 2

  Wearing gloves, use the stick or tweezers to remove the tentacles from the skin.

• 3

  Apply shaving cream to the area or make a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the area. Use the razor to shave the area and remove any remnants of the tentacles. Alternatively, scrape the edge of the credit card along the area.

After Care

• 4

  Wash the area using the soap and water. Allow the area to dry.

• 5

  Apply hydrocortisone cream to the area to relieve itching. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandages to the area if there are any open sores.

• 6

  Repeat the cleaning, application of the medicine and bandaging two to three times a day until the sores heal.