Wilderness: Stingray Sting (cont.)
Stingray Sting Treatment
If medical attention is not readily available, the following guidelines are recommended in treating a stingray sting:
- Flush the wound with fresh water.
- For pain relief, soak the wound in water as hot as the person can tolerate (approximately 110 F, 43.3 C)
- Use tweezers to remove the stingers.
- Scrub the wound with soap and fresh water.
- Do not cover the wound with tape or close it with stitches. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
- Apply topical antibiotic ointment if signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat, occur.
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
Oral antibiotics are usually recommended for infection.
- Continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared.
- Let the doctor know about any drug allergy prior to starting an antibiotic.
- Use a sunscreen because some antibiotics may cause sensitivity to the sun.
- Patients with an impaired immune system (for example, HIV, diabetes, cancer) should seek medical care.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 12/9/2014
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
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