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Overview
Most stings are painful but mild.
Some species are dangerous.
When to get medical care
Call 911Trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion.
Get care todaySevere pain or large area.
See a doctor soonRash lasting days.
Causes
Caused by jellyfish tentacles.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause jellyfish sting. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Jellyfish stingOften treated at home
Burning, itching, red welts or lines on the skin after contact with a jellyfish in the ocean.
What you can do at home
- Rinse with seawater or vinegar.
- Remove tentacles with tweezers.
- Soak in hot water.
Medicines
Pain relievers.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by history.
Questions you may be asked
- Location
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Avoid jellyfish.
- Heed beach warnings
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.