Jellyfish stings are a nuisance to swimmers exploring the water. The animal's body is composed of a transparent gelatin material; most jellyfish have tentacles and stingers that emit venom when touched. According to Divers Alert Network, "jellyfish" describes a large number of marine animals including anemones, sea wasps and fire coral. A person should be prepared to treat an allergic reaction when a jellyfish sting occurs.
Cleansing
Cleanse the area with salt water; do not use fresh water to rinse the infected area. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding the use of rubbing alcohol, bleach or ammonia to get rid of the stinging sensation, as these liquids increase the stinging sensation. Use vinegar to inactivate remaining stingers unless the sting is suspected by a Chesapeake sea nettle--vinegar releases stingers with this species of jellyfish. If the sting is suspected from a box jellyfish, seek medical attention immediately. While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, cleanse the skin with vinegar. Allow the area to soak for 10 minutes before treating the wound.
Remove Tentacles
Remove tentacles to decrease irritation, wearing gloves if possible. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science suggests applying shaving cream or wet sand to the area. The Mayo Clinic says you can create a paste, mixing talcum powder or baking soda with sea water. Scrape the paste or mixture off the skin with a razor blade. If a razor blade is not available a clam shell, seashell or credit card will remove the paste.
Natural Decontamination
Decontaminate the skin using natural products or items found at home to aid in sting relief. Meat tenderizer relieves the affected area, but do not apply it for more than 15 minutes. Lime and papaya are two fruits that also decontaminate the skin and stop the jellyfish sting irritation.
Recovery
Continue treatment and remedies until skin is healed. The Mayo Clinic recommends applying ice packs twice daily to the sting area. Apply over-the-counter steroid creams twice daily. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science suggests applying hydrocortisone lotion (0.5 to 1 percent). For short-term relief, the institute recommends using an anesthetic ointment or spray, for example, 2.5 percent lidocaine hydrochloride.
