What does a jellyfish sting look like and what should you do if you get stung?

Being by the sea can make for a great day out but it’s important to remember that you’re enjoying the habitat of many creatures. Entering the water to swim, paddle or surf can be so much fun but you’ll need to keep an eye out for creatures including jellyfish. The sea creatures could sting you and knowing what to do if you get stung could help you out in the future.

These are the steps you should take if you or someone you know is stung by a jellyfish. What does a jellyfish sting look like? A jellyfish sting can cause an itchy rash and raised stripes on the skin (Image: Getty) When stung by a jellyfish, it's likely you'll feel intense pain where you were stung and notice an itchy rash. You might also notice raised stripes on the skin (welts) if you've been stung by a jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war.

What to do if you get stung by a jellyfish The NHS explains that “most stings by sea creatures in the UK are not serious” and first aid can treat them but sometimes a sting may mean you need to go to the hospital. If you’re able to get help from a lifeguard or someone who knows first aid, this is what you’ll need to do after a jellyfish sting. If you’re not able to get help from someone else, there are things that you can do to help.

Ambulance response categories explained The NHS advises that you do: Rinse the area that has been stung with seawater – don’t use fresh water If there are any spines in the skin, remove them with tweezers or the edge of a bank c.