First aid for marine stings:

• Rinse the affected area with salt water.
• Do not use fresh water.
• Carefully remove any tentacles.
• Use tweezers or a gloved hand.
• Use adhesive tape.
• Rinse again.
• This releases more venom into the skin.
• Rinse the skin with household vinegar.
• This inactivates the venom.
• If vinegar is not available, use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

• Apply cold compresses:
• Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
• Clean the skin gently:
• Use mild soap and water.
• Do not scrub the skin.
• Dry the skin.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment.
• Apply a bandage over the skin.
• Keep clothing off the skin surface.
• Acetaminophen for pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
• Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
• Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
• Take prescribed medications as directed:
• Don't skip doses of your medication. This makes them less effective.
• Be aware of the common side effects that may be caused by your medication.

• Clean the wound:
• First, rinse the wound with fresh water.
• Use mild soap and water to clean the wound.
• Do not scrub the wound.
• Remove dirt from the wound.
• Apply antibiotic ointment.
• Cover the wound:
• Use gauze or an elastic bandage.
• Wounds to the face may be left uncovered.
• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Rest the injured area.
• Elevate the injured area.
• Above the heart if possible
• Apply cold compresses:
• Apply for 20-30 minutes for the first day.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Acetaminophen for pain
• Ibuprofen for pain

• Coral cuts home care
• Jellyfish stings home care
• Stingray stings home care

Medications commonly used to control pain and inflammation in adults with a marine sting include:

• Acetaminophen
• Controls pain, but has no anti-inflammatory properties
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Ketoprofen
• Narcotic pain medications:
• Require a doctor's prescription
• Generally reserved for moderate to severe pain or severe pain

• Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
• Adult dosing is 2 regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours or 2 extra-strength (500 mg) every 6 hours.
• Maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
• Avoid this drug if you have alcoholism, liver disease or an allergy to the drug. See the package instructions.
• Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and many others.

• Aspirin decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is two regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours with food.
• There are numerous products that contain aspirin.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours.
• Do not exceed 1,200 mg per day without a doctor's recommendation.
• Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 200 or 220 mg twice a day with food.
• Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
• Its brand name is Aleve.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Ketoprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours with food.
• Do not exceed 75 mg per day.
• Its brand name is Orudis KT.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Avoid using alcohol when taking any of these medications.
• Do not mix prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• NSAIDS can interact with other blood thinners, such as Coumadin, and cause bleeding complications.
• Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you have a history of:
• Allergy to aspirin
• Asthma
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Esophageal ulcers
• Bleeding problems
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Common medications used at home for pain and fever in children with a marine sting include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen (must be 13 or older)

• Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
• Dosing is 10-15 mg per kilogram (5-7 mg per pound) of body weight every 4-6 hours, up to the adult dose.
• Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
• Acetaminophen products come in various strengths. Always follow the package instructions.
• Avoid this drug in children with liver disease or an allergy to acetaminophen.
• Common acetaminophen products include Tylenol, Panadol and many others.

• Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Dosing for children over 6 months of age is 7-10 mg per kilogram (4-5 mg per pound) of body weight every 6 hours, up to the adult dose.
• Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
• Always follow the package instructions.
• Avoid this drug in children with liver, kidney, stomach or bleeding problems.
• Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.

• Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Dosing for 13 and older is 200 mg twice a day with food.
• Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
• Always follow the package instructions.
• Avoid this drug in children with liver, kidney, stomach or bleeding problems.
• The brand name for naproxen is Aleve.

Notify your doctor if you have a marine sting and any of the following:

• A jellyfish sting over an area on the body that is larger than half of one arm
• Any puncture wound that might contain a spine, stinger or coral material
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe, persistent pain
• Persistent muscle spasms or weakness
• New or worsening seizure
• Worsening swelling and redness after 12 hours
• You have not had a tetanus booster in the past 5 years

Last Updated: Mar 11, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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