How To Treat Portuguese Man-Of-War Stings

Here are some tips for how people can immediately treat and care for someone who has experienced a Portuguese Man-Of-War sting.

Earlier this week, two people were stung by a Portuguese Man-Of-War in the Kismet area of Fire Island, according to news reports.

If someone you know is stung, use warm sea water to help wash the area. To remove the tentacles, use tweezers to gently lift the jellyfish off the skin, said Benson Yeh, MD, chairman of emergency medicine at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore. When fresh water is used to do this, it inflames the area. After removal of the tentacles and nematocysts, you may use hot water to soak the area to reduce pain.

These kinds of stings can be treated in a similar manner to those of jellyfish, according to the National Health Service. Ibuprofen can be used to help reduce the swelling and pain of a sting, the group noted.

For people experiencing severe pain after a Portuguese Man-Of-War sting, seek medical attention.

For more information about emergency medicine, click here.