Jellyfish Stings: How to Prevent Them and How to Treat Them

Madeira Beach is home to all kinds of jellyfish: moon jellies, Atlantic sea nettle, cannonball, pink meanie and comb jellyfish, as well as two of the most dangerous types – the Portuguese man of war and the box jellyfish. This means you need to be on high alert for jellyfish both on the water and on the beach.

How to prevent jellyfish stings

The first thing you should do is look out for flag warnings. If there are jellyfish in the water, lifeguards have to put up a flag warning. The flag is typically purple with the image of a jellyfish on it, so it’s hard to miss.

The next thing you should do is keep an eye out on the beach. Jellyfish often get washed up on the shore, so watch your step if you’re walking along the water.

Finally, there are special anti-jellyfish creams that can protect against both sunburns and jellyfish stings, but the effectiveness of these creams are mixed, so take them with a grain of salt.

How to treat jellyfish stings

If you do come into contact with a jellyfish, you could experience anything from light burning to serious pain, depending on the type of jellyfish involved and the person stung. No matter the severity, get out of the water immediately. Then, rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, remove any tentacles with a pair of tweezers, and then soak the affected area in hot water for at least 20 minutes. You can also use mild hydrocortisone ointments or antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling.

In serious cases, such as extensive stings that occur over a large area of the body or an allergic reaction, head to the nearest hospital immediately.

Now that you’re well-prepared to handle jellyfish, you’re ready to head out on the water. If you’re looking for a fun time in Madeira Beach, then be sure to rent a jet ski from Woody’s Watersports. Book a reservation or call us at 727-391-0200 today!