Stung by a Sting Ray

Stung by a Sting Ray?

If you have been surfing long enough, especially in the summer, you will come across stingrays. I have seen rays that are 4 ft wide in NJ, MD, and VA, so yes, they are around us. The types of sting rays we get usually do not sting unless we agitate, step, or hit the ray.

Stingrays have a barb on the end of their tail, which whips around and stings you. Most people who do get stung, get stung in the foot or ankle, because its usually from stepping on them.

Once you are stung:

You will feel pain, a lot of pain. It is decribed by most people as the worst pain ever.

First, get your foot (or part of your body that was stung) into hot water, and I mean hot. As hot as you can stand it. This will deactivate the poison and take the pain away. It may take up to 90 minutes but it usually takes a lot less.

Second, make sure you get the barb and all of its pieces out of you. If any are left, you could get an infection. If you are not sure they are out of you, go to a doctor or ER.

Once the barb is out, clean the wound. Use water and soap. Then use Iodine, alcohol, or peroxide to disinfect it. The put some type of antibacterial solution on it, such as neosporin, then a bandage.

If you see any signs of swelling, increased redness or pain, or pus while this injury is healing, please do to a doctor or ER right away. These are signs of infection and need to be treated right away. The smallest infection can be deadly if not treated right away. Infections are serious, so please get them taken care of before they have a chance to spread.