Marine Stings and Scrapes in Teens: Care Instructions

Overview

There are many kinds of stings, scrapes, and cuts you can get from being at or in the ocean.

Jellyfish stings can cause a line of red, brown, or purplish raised bumps that may last for 1 to 2 weeks. You 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. You 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, snorkel, or dive in warm ocean water. They may take weeks or months to heal completely.

Your home treatment depends on what type of sting or scrape you 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 you medicine to take. Or you may get medicine to put on the affected area.

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

How can you care for yourself at home?

Cleaning the wound

If your doctor told you how to care for your 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 you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
• Store your 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

Try using these medicines to help with itching. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

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

When should you call for help?

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

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• Your tongue or throat is swelling.
• You have breathing problems or wheezing.
• You have stings to the eye.
• You have severe pain.
• You are confused or anxious or have nausea, vomiting, or heavy sweating.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have 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 health, and be sure to contact your doctor if the rash, sting, or scrape is not getting better each day.