Man-o-War sting remedy?

[oleander]

I'm not unfamiliar with the stings or bites of various sea creatures, and while the man-o-war sting doesn't hurt me much it's the itching after a day or so that drives me crazy...i've tried hydrocortizone and benadryl to at least help keep the itching under control, but nothing works very well...do you have something that works and wouldn't mind sharing it with someone in need, then let me know...i would really appreciate it

 

[DandyDon]

Good example of why I always wear long suits. I don't have the answers, but I'll PM a couple of locals who will...

 

[DaneGardner]

From my own experiences with jellyfish in general, I usually pour vinegar over the site, clean it, and then soak it in nearly intollerable hot water for at least 15 minutes. I heard from a fellow diver about the hot water, and it seems to take care of most of the after effects. I don't know if it helps the skin to heal faster, or is actually breaking down the nematocysts and venom like with a stone fish sting.

The U.S. Navy Dive Manual section 5C-3.4 [Venemous Marine Animals:: Coelenterates] also has a lot more to say about it:

3.4.5 Symptomatic Treatment. Symptomatic treatment can include topical steroid therapy, anesthetic ointment (xylocaine, 2 percent) antihistamine lotion, systemic antihistamines or analgesics. Benzocaine topical anesthetic preparations should not be used as they may cause sensitization and later skin reactions.

Which sounds like you'd have to be in the care of a physician to get the drugs you need, depending on which country you're in.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi oleander,

If one continues to experience significant itching following Portuguese Man O' War envenomation despite treatment with an OTC hydrocortisone cream, oral Benadryl and an OTC analgesic, or a similar combination, alternate treatments can be considered. For an individual living in Hawaii, these would require the care of a physician.

Alternate approaches could include a short course of a more potent, prescription-only topical steroid. Depending upon the duration and amount of discomfort, prescription-strength systemic antihistamines and analgesics may be added.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DavidPT40]

Anti-histamines should help with the itching.

 

[Walter]

I've been stung by Man 'o War several times over the years. The last time was around my neck a month ago. As soon as I got on the boat, I took one Benadryl tablet and applied Benadryl gel topically. Within two days, I had no symptoms.

 

[knotical]

the man-o-war sting doesn't hurt me much

Wow! You’re a lot tougher (or more stoic) than I.
I got zapped by a man-o-war once, and it was perhaps the most excruciating pain I ever felt. My few other “jelly” experiences have been less troublesome.
Are you certain it wasn’t something else that gave you the itch? If so, perhaps the treatment should be different. On the other hand, since the treatment discussed seems to be mostly for the symptom, not the cause, it might not matter.

 

[Walter]

Wow! You’re a lot tougher (or more stoic) than I.
I got zapped by a man-o-war once, and it was perhaps the most excruciating pain I ever felt.

You either have a much greater sensitivity to Man 'o War than me or you've led a very sheltered life.

 

[fisherdvm]

I had a curly itchy rash the shape of the tentacle on my wrist. Saw the bugger as I was surfacing. It lasted for 2 days without treatment.

I think some people must be more sensative, or got a nastier contact than others.

FYI - topical lidocaine is available over the counter, so is hydrocortisone cream and ointment. for antihistamines - claritin (loratidine) and benadryl are both over the counter. Topical benadryl is also available, but can induce hypersensitivity with chronic (long term use).

 

[knotical]

You either have a much greater sensitivity to Man 'o War than me or you've led a very sheltered life.

Assuming we’re talking about Physalia physalis (e.g. http://www.jaxshells.org/515x.htm ), books variously describe it as a sharp or intense or burning sting, so perhaps I am more sensitive than most. As I recall, most of the pain faded within an hour, and I did not have a follow-on itch, only redness. Pain-wise, I'd take a good old Caribbean sea wasp (Carybdea alata) any day

Part of my intention was to raise the issue of whether the source of the itch would/should affect the treatment of choice. I’m still not certain.

Another motive of my post was that I’ve known people to sometimes incorrectly identify other "jellies" as man-of-war.