Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of jellyfish stings include:

• Burning, prickling, stinging pain
• Red, brown or purplish tracks on the skin — a "print" of the tentacles' contact with your skin
• Itching
• Swelling
• Throbbing pain that radiates up a leg or an arm

Severe jellyfish stings can affect multiple body systems. These reactions may appear rapidly or several hours after the stings. Signs and symptoms of severe jellyfish stings include:

• Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle pain or spasms
• Weakness, drowsiness, fainting and confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart problems

The severity of your reaction depends on:

• The type and size of the jellyfish
• Your age, size and health, with severe reactions more likely in children and people in poor health
• How long you were exposed to the stingers
• How much of your skin is affected

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency treatment if you have severe symptoms.