Jellyfish Sting Treatment

• Rinse with seawater. Avoid fresh water because it will increase pain. Do not rub the wound or apply ice to it.
  
  
• For classic box jellyfish stings, apply topical acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol.
  
  
• Remove tentacles with tweezers.
  
  
• Apply shaving cream or a paste of baking soda or mud to the wound. Shave the area with a razor or knife and then reapply vinegar or alcohol. The shaving cream or paste prevents nematocysts that have not been activated from discharging toxin during removal with the razor.
  
  
• Immobilize the extremity because movement may cause the venom to spread.
  
  
• Hydrocortisone cream may be applied 2-3 times daily to relieve itching. Discontinue immediately if any signs of infection appear.
  
  
• Eye stings should be irrigated with 1 gallon of fresh water.
  
  
• Mouth stings should be treated with 1/4 strength vinegar. Avoid vinegar if oral swelling or difficulty swallowing occurs.
  
  
• For a box jellyfish sting, after treatment with vinegar or alcohol, use the pressure-immobilization technique.  
  
  
  • The extremity should be wrapped with a bandage in a style similar to wrapping a sprained ankle.
    
    
  • Bind the limb firmly but do not stop the circulation. The fingers and toes should remain pink.
    
    
  • Leave bandages intact until medical personnel are available for treatment.
  
  
• CPR may be necessary.