The sting itself covers more than half your arm, half your leg, a large part of your torso, or your face or genitals. [2] X Research source The sting causes a severe allergic reaction, including but not limited to difficulty breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, or palpitations. [3] X Research source The sting came from a box jellyfish. Box jellies have extremely potent venom. They are found off the coast of Australia, and elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific, as well as Hawaii. [4] X Research source They are pale blue in color and have a cube-shaped head, or “medusa. " They can grow approximately 6 feet (2 meters) tall.
As you get out of the water, try not to scratch the sting-site or touch it with your hands. There are likely still tentacles attached to your skin, and itching or touching them will only get you stung more.
Don’t rub the area with a towel after rinsing, as this can activate any remaining stingers.
Some types of jellyfish stings may respond better to a combination salt water and baking soda. [7] X Research source
Do not attempt to rub away the tentacles with a cloth or towel, as this will cause more stinging cells to fire. Stay extremely still while you remove the tentacles. The more you move around while you attempt to remove jellyfish tentacles, the more venom will be released. If you are experiencing shock, make sure that someone has called emergency services and try to calm yourself as much as possible.
In rare cases, stings from jellyfish can cause either infection or scarring, but most people avoid these scenarios entirely, even after especially painful stings. In extremely rare cases, people experience hypersensitivity to the venom a week or several weeks after being stung. Blisters or other skin irritations may surface seemingly out of the blue. While this hypersensitivity is generally not dangerous, it may be helpful to see a doctor or dermatologist for assistance. [17] X Research source
