4 Ways to Treat Stingray Poisoning

1. Irrigate the Wound With Water

Much of the damage from a stingray jab comes not from the poison but from the wound itself, which can become abscessed and infected very easily. Irrigate the wound with clean water or sterile saline solution and then let it soak in hot water. The water may cause the wound to ache, but let it soak for as long as you can possibly stand it. While the water should be hot, don't make it dangerously hot; watch out for scalding.

2. Remove the Barb

The stingray barb inflicts a puncture wound, which can cause a dangerous amount of bleeding. If you are within reasonably close reach of a hospital, wait until you get there before removing the barb. Never remove the barb if you've been stung in the chest or the torso. If the stingray injury is in an arm or leg and hospital care is more than a few hours away, then you can remove the barb with a pair of pliers and take steps to control the bleeding. Put pressure on the wound and elevate it above the heart. If signs of shock appear, then lie down and keep warm, while continuing to keep the limb elevated. Once the bleeding has stopped, bandage it cleanly and get to the hospital.

3. Take Preventative Antibiotics

If you're going swimming or snorkeling in an area known to contain stingrays, get a preventative antibiotics shot from a doctor. You might also want to get a tetanus immunization booster to help prevent infection in case of poisoning. A doctor may give you antibiotics after you've been poisoned in order to keep the risk of infection down, but preventative measures can be very helpful in dealing with stingray poison.

4. Treat the Symptoms

Stingray poison is rarely fatal unless it strikes you in the chest or abdomen. Once the wound has been cleaned and antibiotics have been administered, the best thing to do is address the symptoms and stay comfortable. Stingray poisoning causes cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling at the location of the wound and generalized weakness. You may be given a local anesthetic to keep the pain down and some over-the-counter pain relief if the cramps are bad enough. Don't self-medicate and follow your doctor's instructions. He may have concerns about mixing pain relievers with anything else he may be giving you. Stay off your feet and make sure someone is monitoring your breathing so that it stays regular. Drink water or sports drinks to replenish fluids lost to diarrhea or vomiting. Keep in touch with your doctor, even if he's released you, and let him know if there is any change in your condition. Recovery from stingray poisoning usually takes 1 to 2 days.