1️⃣ Jellyfish sting: Stay calm and get out of the water 🚶‍♂️

Before any jellyfish stingIt's important to stay calm. Get out of the water immediately to avoid further contact with the tentacles and reduce the amount of venom.

2️⃣ Do not rub the area or use fresh water 🚱

• ❌ Avoid rubbing your skin with sand, towels, or your hands.
• ❌ Do not use fresh water, as it can release more toxins.

3️⃣ Carefully remove the tentacles 🏖️

Use tweezers or a stiff card to remove any visible debris.
⚠️ Don't touch them with your hands, even if they look dry.

4️⃣ Wash with seawater or serum 💧

Rinse the affected area with seawater or saline solution.
✅ This helps cleanse without activating more poison.

5️⃣ Apply heat or cold 🌡️❄️

• Heat: cloths at 43–45 °C for 20–45 min neutralize toxins.
• Mild cold: only if heat is not available (never direct ice).

6️⃣ Avoid dangerous home remedies ⚠️

🚫 Do not use urine, alcohol, ammonia, or vinegar (except for Portuguese man-of-war).

7️⃣ Disinfects and cares for the skin 🩹

Keep the area clean for 48–72 hours.
You can apply creams with corticosteroids or antihistamines if there is itching or inflammation.

8️⃣ Avoid the sun ☀️🚫

Protect your skin from sunburn for at least 2 weeks to prevent blemishes.

9️⃣ When to see a doctor 🚑

• Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or vomiting.
• Very severe inflammation or severe allergic reaction.
• Sting near the eye.

💡 Prevention: On days of alert for jellyfish in Santa Pola, check the status of the beach before swimming (Ministry for Ecological Transition).

📌 Useful links

• Pediatric consultation in Gran Alacant and Santa Pola (internal)
• Official recommendations on jellyfish (external DoFollow)

👩‍⚕️ About the author

I am Dr. Katia Herrera, pediatrician in Alicante. I provide home care in Gran Alacant, Arenales del Sol and Santa Pola and by video call.