Spending time at the beach is one of the best parts of summer, but it’s also the season when stingray injuries tend to spike. Stingrays are generally docile creatures that only sting when accidentally stepped on. Most stings happen in shallow waters, particularly along the Southern California coast. Knowing how to respond quickly and properly can help minimize pain, reduce the risk of infection, and avoid complications.
How Do Stingray Stings Happen?
Stingrays rest on the ocean floor, often partially buried in sand. If you step on one, it may whip its tail upward, delivering a sting with a sharp, venomous barb. The sting usually causes immediate, sharp pain and a puncture wound, most often on the foot or lower leg.
Symptoms of a Stingray Sting
- Sudden, intense pain at the site of the sting
- Bleeding or swelling
- Puncture wound (sometimes with pieces of the barb embedded)
- Muscle cramps or numbness
- Nausea, sweating, or dizziness in some cases
- Signs of infection,if not properly treated (redness, warmth, pus)
First Aid Steps for a Stingray Sting
- Get out of the water safely: Prevent further injury or the chance of fainting in the water by carefully exiting as soon as you’re stung.
- Control any bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or towel to stop the bleeding. Avoid using a tourniquet.
- Soak the wound in hot water: Immerse the affected area in water as hot as the person can tolerate (usually 100°F to 110°F) for 30 to 90 minutes. This helps neutralize the venom and reduce pain. Continue soaking until the pain is significantly reduced.
- Clean the wound thoroughly: Once the pain starts to ease, gently clean the area with soap and fresh water. Do not attempt to remove the barb yourself if it’s embedded deeply—seek medical help.
- Avoid sealing the wound: Do not close the wound with tape or glue. Leave it open and clean to reduce the risk of infection.
- Seek medical attention: Even if the pain subsides, you should still be evaluated by a medical provider. Pieces of the stingray barb can remain in the wound, and infections are common. A tetanus shot, antibiotics, or wound care may be needed.
You should seek prompt medical attention if:
- The pain is severe or not improving after soaking
- The wound is deep or bleeding heavily
- You feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint
- You notice signs of infection in the following days
- A piece of the barb may be stuck in the wound
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
How to Avoid Getting Stung
The best way to prevent a stingray injury is to shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water. This motion alerts stingrays and gives them time to swim away. Water shoes can also provide a little added protection.
If you or a loved one gets stung by a stingray, Marque is here to help. We treat stingray injuries quickly and thoroughly, helping you manage pain, avoid infection, and get back on your feet. Walk in or book online at any of our coastal locations.