Treatment for stings in the sea will vary depending on what has stung you and, in some cases, how severe your reaction is.
It is possible to treat some stings yourself with first aid. However, if the symptoms are more serious, such as severe pain, swelling or difficulty breathing, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance to come immediately.
Read more about the symptoms of sea creature stings, including information about when to go to hospital.
Weever fish
If you are stung by a weever fish, it's important to get first aid and medical attention immediately.
To control the pain, the affected area should be immersed in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated) for between 30 and 90 minutes. This can be repeated if necessary. When the area is numb, be careful not to burn it in the water.
Any large spines should be carefully removed from the wound using tweezers – avoid touching the spines with your bare hands. Clean the wound using soap and water, before rinsing it with fresh water. Do not cover the wound.
If there is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you will need to go to hospital immediately.
Aftercare
If there is itching, hydrocortisone cream can be applied two to three times a day. However, this should be stopped immediately if there are any signs of infection.
If the skin is red and badly inflamed, a topical antibiotic cream or ointment should be applied three times a day.
Pain and inflammation can be treated with painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
If an infection develops, antibiotics may be prescribed. Take them for a minimum of five days after the signs of infection have disappeared.
Sea urchins
Sea urchin puncture wounds and stings are treated in a similar way to a weever fish sting. If there are signs that you or someone you are with have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), dial 999 to request an ambulance.
Immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated) for between 30 to 90 minutes.
Any large spines should be carefully removed from the wound using tweezers. The pedicellariae (small venomous organs) can be removed by putting a small amount of shaving cream on the affected area and using a razor blade to gently scrape them out.
Scrub the wound using soap and water, before rinsing it with fresh water. Do not close the wound with tape.
Aftercare
Pain and swelling can be treated with painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
If the skin is red and badly inflamed, topical antibiotic cream or ointment should be applied three times a day.
Stingrays
Alert a lifeguard and dial 999 to request an ambulance if you are stung by a stingray.
There is no antidote to stingray venom. However, the pain from a sting can be relieved by:
- placing the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated) for between 30 to 90 minutes
- using pain-relieving medication that is given intravenously (directly through a vein)
- using pain-numbing medication
Once the wound has been cleaned and the sting has been removed (if necessary), the doctor will be able to look for any further damage. A tetanus booster may be needed if it is more than five years since your last tetanus injection.
After being stung by a stingray, you will usually be given antibiotics because there is a high risk that the wound will have been contaminated by bacteria in the sting and the seawater, which could lead to an infection.
Initially, the wound will be left open before being closed with stitches after about 48 hours if it has not become infected. In rare cases, surgery may be needed if the sting affects the tendons or blood vessels.
Jellyfish
You can treat most jellyfish stings yourself. However, dial 999 to request an ambulance if there are severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or if a large or sensitive area of the body (face, genitals) has been stung.
If someone has been stung by a jellyfish, remove any remaining tentacles with tweezers or a clean stick (wear gloves if they are available).
The affected area should be soaked in vinegar for between 15 to 30 minutes to prevent further toxins from being released. If vinegar is not available, rinse the area with alcohol or seawater (not fresh cold or hot water). Do not rub the area or apply ice. You should also ignore any advice that you may have heard about using urine because it is unlikely to help and in most cases it may make the situation worse.
Apply shaving cream to the affected area and use a razor blade or credit card to remove any nematocysts (small poisonous sacs) that are stuck to the skin.
Aftercare
After a jellyfish sting, any pain and swelling can be treated with painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Portuguese man-of-war
If you have been stung by a Portuguese man-of-war, the treatment is similar to a jellyfish sting (see above).
However, don't use vinegar or alcohol to wash the affected area because it can make the pain worse (unlike with jellyfish stings).
The pain caused by most Portuguese man-of-war stings will disappear within 15 to 20 minutes, but find immediate medical attention if the pain is still there after an hour or if the area becomes infected.
