How long does a jellyfish sting last?

Severe pain lasts 1-2 hours. Itch may last for a week. If the skin damage is severe, red or purple lines can last for weeks. General Reactions can occur if there are many stings.

What happens when you get stung by a jellyfish?

The long tentacles trailing from the jellyfish body can inject you with venom from thousands of microscopic barbed stingers. Jellyfish stings vary greatly in severity. Most often they result in immediate pain and red, irritated marks on the skin. Some jellyfish stings may cause more whole-body (systemic) illness.

What happens if a jellyfish sting goes untreated?

Most jellyfish stings are painful but not dangerous. A few jellyfish, however, release powerful venom into the skin. The stings of these species, if left untreated, can be dangerous or even deadly. Prompt jellyfish sting treatment can quickly alleviate pain and prevent a sting from getting worse.

Can you have an allergic reaction to a jellyfish sting?

Problems from jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war stings may develop right away or be delayed for several hours or days. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may affect any body system and require emergency care. Symptoms can include any of the following: Shock.

Should I go to the doctor for a jellyfish sting?

Management and Treatment Most people do not need to see a doctor for a jellyfish sting. Symptoms of a jellyfish sting usually go away after a few hours. Sometimes, a rash remains from a few days to two weeks.

When should I be concerned about a jellyfish sting?

A jellyfish sting occurring on or near an eye requires immediate medical care for pain control and a good eye flushing. You will likely be seen by a doctor specializing in eye care (ophthalmologist).

How painful is a jellyfish sting?

While jellyfish stings are painful, most are not emergencies. Expect pain, red marks, itching, numbness, or tingling with a typical sting. But stings from some types of jellyfish — such as the box jellyfish (also called sea wasp) — are very dangerous, and can even be deadly.

Is Pee good for jellyfish stings?

A: No. Despite what you may have heard, the idea of peeing on a jellyfish sting to ease the pain is just a myth. Not only are there no studies to support this idea, but pee may even worsen the sting. Jellyfish tentacles have stinging cells called nematocysts that contain venom.

Will Benadryl help a jellyfish sting?

Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings To help with itching, give your child an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). Hydrocortisone cream may also help.

When should you see a doctor for a jellyfish sting?

More serious jellyfish stings can cause greater harm. You should get medical help if you have more severe symptoms, including: Difficulty breathing. Chest pain.

Do jellyfish scars go away?

The skin at the site of the stings may look dusky or bluish purple. Healing may take many weeks. Permanent scars may occur at the site of a sting. Sores usually heal without medical treatment.

What are the long term effects of a jellyfish sting?

The progressive effects of a jellyfish sting may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lymph node swelling, abdominal pain, numbness/tingling, and muscle spasms. Severe reactions can cause difficulty breathing, coma, and death. A sting from a box jellyfish or other venomous types of jellyfish can cause death in minutes.

What does a jellyfish sting feel like?

Common symptoms of a jellyfish sting include: a burning, stinging sensation on your skin. a tingling or numbness where the sting occurred. the skin in the area where the jellyfish stung turning red or purple.

What are the symptoms of a jellyfish sting?

Common signs and symptoms of jellyfish stings include: Burning, prickling, stinging pain. Red, brown or purplish tracks on the skin — a “print” of the tentacles’ contact with your skin. Itching. Swelling. Throbbing pain that radiates up a leg or an arm.

How do jellyfish Stingers work?

Each stinger has a tiny bulb that holds venom and a coiled, sharp-tipped tube. The jellyfish uses the venom to protect itself and kill prey. When you brush against a tentacle, tiny triggers on its surface release the stingers. The tube penetrates the skin and releases venom.