MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Jellyfish sting

Medical Encyclopedia

Jellyfish sting

Symptoms of a marine animal sting can include pain, burning, swelling, redness, and bleeding. To treat a sting, keep the victim very still and wipe off stingers or tentacles with a towel or sand being careful to avoid contact with the tentacles or stingers. Wash the area with salt water. In some cases soaking the wound in very warm water is recommended.

Update Date: 6/9/2008

Updated by: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.