What does a jellyfish sting look like? What to do if stung

Entering the water to swim, paddle or surf can be so much fun but you’ll need to keep an eye out for creatures including jellyfish.

The sea creatures could sting you and knowing what to do if you get stung could help you out in the future.

These are the steps you should take if you or someone you know is stung by a jellyfish.

What does a jellyfish sting look like?

A jellyfish sting can cause an itchy rash and raised stripes on the skin (Image: Getty)

When stung by a jellyfish, it's likely you'll feel intense pain where you were stung and notice an itchy rash.

You might also notice raised stripes on the skin (welts) if you've been stung by a jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war.

What to do if you get stung by a jellyfish

The NHS explains that “most stings by sea creatures in the UK are not serious” and first aid can treat them but sometimes a sting may mean you need to go to the hospital.

If you’re able to get help from a lifeguard or someone who knows first aid, this is what you’ll need to do after a jellyfish sting.

If you’re not able to get help from someone else, there are things that you can do to help.

Ambulance response categories explained

The NHS advises that you do:

• Rinse the area that has been stung with seawater – don’t use fresh water
• If there are any spines in the skin, remove them with tweezers or the edge of a bank card
• Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as you can tolerate) for at least 30 minutes – you can use hot flannels or towels if you’re not able to soak it
• Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol

The NHS advises that you don’t:

• Use vinegar
• Urinate on the sting
• Apply ice or a cold pack
• Touch any tentacles or spines with bare hands
• Cover or close the wound

When to go to a minor injuries unit if stung by a jellyfish

If any of the following apply to you, the NHS advises that you go to a minor injuries unit:

• You are in severe pain that’s not going away after being stung by a sea creature
• You have been stung on your mouth or throat or near your eyes
• A stingray has stung you
• You’re in a tropical country and a sea creature has stung you
• You were outside the UK when stung and you have a high temperature or a wound that doesn’t get better

@lulu_dn8 The Jellyfish Museum, Prague🪼 #fyp #foryoupage #jellyfish #prague #aestheticvideos #relaxingvideos #aquarium #seacreatures #alienworld #beautifulcreatures ♬ original sound - Lwazi🎧˚⊹ ❀

Recommended reading:

• RNLI warning to Brits hoping to swim in lakes and rivers this summer
• What causes silverfish in your home and are they harmful?
• 'Mysterious' carnivorous sharks found lurking in the depths of British waters

When to call 999 if you have been stung by a sea creature

You should go to A&E or call 999 if you have been stung by a sea creature and have difficulty breathing, chest pain, fits or seizures, severe swelling around the affected area, severe bleeding or you’re vomiting or have lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

The NHS urges you to not drive yourself to A&E. Instead, you should ask someone else to take you there if possible or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Make sure you bring any medications that you take with you to the hospital.