Marine Stings and Scrapes in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

There are many kinds of stings, scrapes, and cuts a child can get at or in the ocean.

Jellyfish stings can cause a line of red, brown, or purplish raised bumps that may last 1 to 2 weeks. Your child may also get an itchy rash. This can appear days to weeks after the sting.

Portuguese man-of-war stings can cause a red line with small white bumps. Blisters and deep sores (ulcers) may develop.

Seabather's eruption is a type of rash. Your child can get it after a sting by certain types of jellyfish or sea anemone. It can be itchy and annoying. But it usually goes away with home treatment in 1 to 2 weeks.

Coral scrapes and cuts are common injuries that may occur when you walk on a beach or swim in warm ocean water. They may take weeks or months to heal completely.

Your child's home treatment depends on what type of sting or scrape they have and how severe it is. You may need to wash the sting or scrape. Or you may need to change a bandage. Your doctor may give your child medicine to take. Or your child may get medicine to put on the affected area.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Cleaning the wound

If your doctor told you how to care for your child's wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:

• Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
• You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
• Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

Pain medicine for any wound or sting

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
• Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

Medicines for itching

Ask the doctor about using these medicines to help with itching. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Talk to your doctor before giving these medicines if your child is under 2 years old.

• An over-the-counter antihistamine.
• Hydrocortisone 1% cream applied to the area.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child's tongue or throat is swelling.
• Your child has breathing problems or wheezing.
• Your child has stings to the eye.
• Your child has severe pain.
• Your child is confused or anxious or has nausea, vomiting, or heavy sweating.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child is dizzy or lightheaded or feels about to faint.
• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the area.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.
• The sting or scrape starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if the rash, sting, or scrape is not getting better each day.