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Jellyfish and other sea creature stings

Most stings from sea creatures in the UK are not serious and can be treated with first aid. Sometimes you may need to go to hospital.

What to do if you've been stung

Important: Get help if possible

If you've been stung by a sea creature such as a jellyfish, get local medical advice as soon as possible. You could ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for help.

If help is not available:

Non-urgent advice: Go to a minor injuries unit if:

  • you've been stung by a sea creature and you have severe pain that is not going away
  • you've been stung by a sea creature on your mouth or throat or near your eyes
  • you've been stung by a stingray
  • you've been stung by a sea creature in a tropical country
  • you have a high temperature or a wound that does not get better after being stung by a sea creature while travelling outside the UK

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

you've been stung by a sea creature and have:

  • difficulty breathing
  • chest pain
  • fits or seizures
  • severe swelling around the affected area
  • severe bleeding
  • vomiting
  • lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Symptoms of sea creature stings

The main symptoms of sea creature stings are intense pain where you're stung and an itchy rash.

Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings can also cause raised stripes on the skin (welts).

How to avoid sea creature stings

If you go in the sea there are things you can do to reduce the risk of being stung by a sea creature.

UK sea creatures that sting

A Portuguese man-of-war floating on the water. There is a translucent gas-filled bladder with a crest at the top, blue and purple frills underneath, and long trailing tentacles.
Portuguese man-of-war.

Page last reviewed: 19 June 2024
Next review due: 19 June 2027