Carolina Pediatrics of Wilmington
For many kids (and parents), jellyfish, other scary marine creatures, and the mere vastness of the ocean can make swimming seem a bit too terrifying.
To ease your fears, we've put together a guide including all the information you need in order to prevent and treat a child jellyfish sting.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT JELLYFISH STINGS
Jellyfish cause a large majority of all marine life stings in the ocean. While some appear to be small, transparent blobs, other jellyfish are much more colorful with long, dangling tentacles.
Here's what you should know about jellyfish before your family trip to the beach…
JELLYFISH STING SYMPTOMS
Typical jellyfish sting symptoms include…
HOW TO TREAT A CHILD JELLYFISH STING
Your child was just stung by a jellyfish…what do you do?
DOES PEEING REALLY HELP JELLYFISH STINGS?
Absolutely not! The myth that urine counteracts and soothes jellyfish stings has been around for a long time, but no existing scientific studies back up this claim. In fact, urine can actually increase the pain of a jellyfish sting.
WHEN TO CALL 911
Seek immediate medical care if your child…
HOW TO PREVENT OR PREPARE FOR JELLYFISH STINGS
Although jellyfish stings are relatively common along North Carolina beaches, there are things you can do to keep your family safe.
Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and the Fort Fisher Recreation Area are all lifeguarded. Keep an eye out for any purple warning flags. Lifeguards will post these flags to indicate "dangerous marine life," which could very well mean that some fellow beach-goers have spotted some jellyfish in the area. If you encounter one of these flags, it's best to stay out of the water or find another spot along the beach without a "marine life" warning.
Before you go to the beach, it's also a good idea to brush up on the various types of North Carolina jellyfish. You'll thank yourself later when you're able to determine whether your child has encountered a deadly Portuguese Man-of-War or Sea Wasp or a milder Moon Jelly or Lion's Mane Jellyfish.
Last but not least, you should come prepared to every beach trip with a small plastic bottle of vinegar, some tweezers, and some calamine lotion. That way, you'll be ready to act fast if things go south.
Have questions about jellyfish stings?
Reach out to us through the Carolina Pediatrics patient portal. The Carolina Pediatrics team can answer all of your jellyfish sting questions.
Need to schedule a follow-up appointment for your child's sting?
Schedule an appointment with your family pediatrician.
Address:
715 Medical Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910)763-2476
FAX: (910)763-8176
Address:
16747 US HWY 17N, Suite 114 Hampstead, NC 28443
Phone: (910) 777-2013
FAX: (910) 821-1060