How to Treat Sting Ray Wounds

Sting rays are a cartilaginous fish common in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Closely related to sharks, sting rays have long, flexible tails that hold venom-filled barbs used to defend themselves. Sting rays are not normally aggressive, but will strike out with their tails when they are threatened. Being stung by a sting ray is not generally a life-threatening injury, but it can be extremely painful. Knowing how to treat sting ray wounds is a valuable skill in the unlikely event of a sting.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Tweezers
• Antibacterial soap
• Clean towel
• Antibiotic cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate the wound. Shallow wounds in extremities such as hands, feet and legs are not normally emergencies, but any wound to the chest, abdomen or neck requires immediate transport to the closest emergency room.

• 2

  Flush the wound with as much clean, fresh water as possible. The more water you can pass over the injury site, the more venom and foreign debris will be washed away.

• 3

  Pick out any remaining barbs or foreign objects with the tweezers. The barbs may be buried deep in the skin, so look closely to make sure you have removed them all.

• 4

  Wash the wound with antibacterial soap and water. Many sting ray wounds become infected within a few days, so washing as soon as possible with the soap will help kill bacteria present at the wound site.

• 5

  Soak the wound in hot water to help minimize pain. A number of sting victims report excruciating pain from sting ray venom, but soaking in water as hot as the victim can stand will keep the pain from becoming overwhelming.

• 6

  Dry the wound site with a clean towel and coat with a layer of antibiotic cream. The cream will coat the surface and work its way down into the sting site, helping to prevent bacterial invasion while increasing the rate of healing.

• 7

  Visit your doctor as soon as possible. He will examine the wound again and prescribe any medications necessary to prevent infection and provide proper healing.