How to Treat a Stingray Sting

Stingray Victim Soaking Foot in Hot Water

If you’re stung by a stingray, get help from a lifeguard right away. They can help determine whether it’s a minor sting that can be treated at the beach/home, or a severe injury that requires an ER visit.

If the lifeguards aren’t on duty, follow these steps:

1. Go to the ER immediately if any of the following are true:
   1. You have a known allergy to stingray venom or signs of an allergic reaction (trouble breathing, throat swelling, dizziness/fainting, hives, etc.) This is rare, but can be life threatening.
   2. You have severe bleeding (possibly vein or artery injury)
   3. If the barb is lodged in the wound, do not try to remove it yourself. Barbs have backwards facing serrations that can cause additional tissue damage and potentially break off inside the wound during removal.
2. Make sure no fragments of the barb or stingray tissue remain in the wound — they greatly increase infection risk. 
   1. Since stings are usually on the foot, have someone else look closely. 
   2. If you suspect there are fragments you can’t remove, go to the ER — an X-ray may be needed.
3. Clean the wound and surrounding area with soap and water to further reduce the risk of infection.
4. Soak the injury in hot water to reduce pain.
   1. The optimum temperature is as hot as you can stand without causing burns, typically around 110°F (more about why this works)
   2. Soak your foot as long as the pain lasts, typically ~30 minutes - 2 hours
5. Monitor for infection over the next 1–2 weeks (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, worsening pain, etc.)
   1. If any appear, see a doctor right away— you may need antibiotics or removal of a retained barb fragment.
   2. Mild swelling, redness, bruising, or itching for a couple of days can be normal, but significant or worsening symptoms require further medical attention.

Short Demo Video:

We’re so sorry you were stung and we hope it heals quickly! For tips on how to avoid getting stung in the future, check out How to Avoid Getting Stung by a Stingray.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The DragonSkin team are experts in stingrays and stingray injury prevention and consult with doctors and lifeguards, but are not medical professionals. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.