How do you treat a stingray sting. What are the symptoms of a stingray injury. When should you seek medical attention for a stingray sting. How can you prevent stingray attacks while swimming or wading. What is the most effective pain relief for stingray stings. Are stingray stings life-threatening. How long does it take to recover from a stingray injury.

Understanding Stingray Anatomy and Behavior

Stingrays are fascinating marine creatures known for their unique anatomy and defensive mechanisms. These flat, disc-shaped animals possess long, whip-like tails equipped with one to three barbed venomous spinal blades. Despite their intimidating appearance, stingrays are generally shy and non-aggressive.

Stingrays typically use their stingers as a last resort when feeling threatened. Most stingray attacks on humans occur when the animal is accidentally stepped on in shallow waters. This defensive reaction is a natural response to perceived danger, rather than an act of aggression.

Stingray Size and Habitat

Stingrays vary significantly in size, ranging from small species measuring just a few inches across to larger varieties that can reach several feet in diameter. They are found in coastal waters worldwide, often burying themselves in sand or mud in shallow areas.

• Habitat: Coastal waters, bays, and estuaries
• Behavior: Generally non-aggressive, prefer to swim away from threats
• Defense mechanism: Venomous spines on tail used when threatened

The Anatomy of a Stingray Sting

When a stingray feels threatened, it can quickly whip its tail upward and forward, driving its venomous spine into the perceived threat. This action causes several effects:

1. Puncture wound: The barbed spine creates a jagged, often deep wound
2. Venom injection: As the spine penetrates, venom is released into the wound
3. Tissue damage: The barbs and venom can cause localized tissue destruction

Can a stingray sting be fatal? While rare, stingray stings can be life-threatening if the spine penetrates vital organs or major blood vessels. The most famous case is that of Steve Irwin, who died in 2006 after a stingray barb pierced his chest.

Recognizing Stingray Sting Symptoms

Identifying a stingray sting quickly is crucial for proper treatment. The primary symptoms include:

• Immediate, intense pain at the wound site
• Bleeding from a jagged or ragged wound
• Swelling and discoloration around the affected area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Anxiety and distress

How long does the pain from a stingray sting last? The intense pain typically peaks within 90 minutes of the sting and gradually subsides over 6 to 48 hours. However, in some cases, discomfort may persist for days or even weeks.

First Aid for Stingray Stings

Prompt and proper first aid is essential for managing stingray injuries effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the victim from the water to prevent drowning
2. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound
3. Gently rinse the wound with clean seawater to remove visible debris
4. Immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as the victim can tolerate without burning) for 30-90 minutes
5. If hot water is unavailable, apply hot compresses to the wound
6. Seek medical attention, especially for severe pain or signs of infection

Why is hot water effective for stingray stings? Hot water helps to denature the venom proteins, reducing their effectiveness and alleviating pain. It also improves blood flow to the area, which can help remove toxins.

Medical Treatment for Stingray Injuries

While first aid is crucial, professional medical treatment may be necessary for more severe stingray injuries. Medical interventions may include:

• Wound cleaning and debridement
• Removal of any remaining stingray barb fragments
• Administration of pain medication
• Tetanus prophylaxis
• Antibiotic treatment to prevent infection
• Imaging studies to assess for retained foreign bodies or organ damage

When should you seek emergency medical care for a stingray sting? Immediate medical attention is required if the sting is on the face, neck, or abdomen, if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, or if the victim experiences difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Preventing Stingray Encounters

While stingray attacks are relatively rare, taking precautions can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Here are some prevention strategies:

1. Shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to alert stingrays of your presence
2. Avoid areas where stingrays are known to congregate, especially during breeding seasons
3. Wear protective footwear when wading in areas where stingrays may be present
4. Pay attention to warning signs and flags at beaches
5. Avoid touching or handling stingrays, even if they appear docile

Is the “stingray shuffle” an effective prevention method? Yes, shuffling your feet along the ocean floor as you walk creates vibrations that alert nearby stingrays, giving them time to swim away before you step on them.

Long-term Effects and Recovery from Stingray Stings

Most stingray sting victims recover fully with proper treatment. However, some may experience long-term effects:

• Persistent pain or numbness at the injury site
• Scarring from the wound
• Infection if not properly treated
• Psychological trauma or fear of water

How long does it take to fully recover from a stingray sting? Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. Most people recover within a few days to a week, but complete healing of the wound may take several weeks.

Stingray Venom: Composition and Effects

Stingray venom is a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. Understanding its composition helps explain its effects on the human body:

• Serotonin: Causes intense pain and vasospasm
• Proteases: Enzymes that break down proteins, causing tissue damage
• 5-nucleotidase: An enzyme that may contribute to pain and inflammation
• Phosphodiesterase: Another enzyme involved in the inflammatory response

How does stingray venom cause pain? The venom’s components, particularly serotonin, directly stimulate pain receptors and cause local tissue damage, resulting in intense, immediate pain.

Systemic Effects of Stingray Venom

While the most noticeable effect of a stingray sting is localized pain, the venom can also cause systemic reactions:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Sweating
4. Generalized muscle cramps
5. Hypotension (low blood pressure)
6. Cardiac arrhythmias (in severe cases)

Can stingray venom cause an allergic reaction? Yes, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to stingray venom, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. This is one reason why seeking medical attention after a sting is important.

Myths and Misconceptions About Stingray Stings

There are several common myths surrounding stingray stings that need to be addressed:

• Myth: Urinating on a stingray sting helps
  Fact: This is ineffective and may introduce bacteria to the wound
• Myth: Stingrays actively hunt humans
  Fact: Stingrays are non-aggressive and sting only in self-defense
• Myth: All stingray stings are life-threatening
  Fact: While painful, most stingray stings are not fatal with proper treatment
• Myth: Removing the barb immediately is crucial
  Fact: Attempting to remove a deeply embedded barb can cause more damage

Why is it important to dispel these myths? Accurate information helps people respond appropriately to stingray injuries and prevents potentially harmful actions based on misinformation.

Ecological Importance of Stingrays

Despite the potential danger they pose to humans, stingrays play a crucial role in marine ecosystems:

• Predator-prey balance: Stingrays help control populations of their prey species
• Bioturbation: Their feeding behavior stirs up sediment, releasing nutrients
• Indicator species: Stingray populations can indicate overall ecosystem health
• Tourism: In some areas, stingray encounters are popular tourist attractions

How do stingrays contribute to marine biodiversity? As mid-level predators, stingrays help maintain the balance of marine food webs, preventing any single species from becoming overabundant.

Conservation Efforts

Many stingray species face threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts include:

1. Protected marine areas
2. Fishing regulations and quotas
3. Public education about stingray ecology
4. Research on stingray populations and behavior

Why is stingray conservation important? Protecting stingrays helps maintain healthy marine ecosystems and preserves biodiversity for future generations.

Stingray Sting Research and Future Treatments

Ongoing research into stingray venom and sting treatment may lead to improved management strategies:

• Venom analysis: Studying venom components to develop targeted treatments
• Pain management: Investigating new methods for rapid pain relief
• Wound healing: Researching techniques to promote faster healing and reduce scarring
• Prophylactic measures: Developing more effective ways to prevent stings

What potential medical applications might stingray venom have? Some components of stingray venom show promise in pain management and cancer research, highlighting the importance of studying these creatures beyond injury prevention.

Emerging Technologies

New technologies are being developed to enhance stingray sting prevention and treatment:

1. Wearable sensors to detect nearby stingrays
2. Improved protective gear for water activities
3. Portable venom neutralization devices
4. AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning

How might these technologies change our approach to stingray sting management? These advancements could lead to faster, more effective treatments and significantly reduce the incidence of stingray injuries in popular marine recreation areas.

Global Perspectives on Stingray Encounters

Stingray encounters and their management vary across different regions:

• Australia: High awareness due to prevalence of dangerous marine life
• Caribbean: Popular stingray interaction tourism with safety measures
• Mediterranean: Relatively rare stingray encounters
• Southeast Asia: Increasing reports due to growing marine tourism

How do cultural attitudes towards stingrays differ around the world? In some cultures, stingrays are feared, while in others, they are revered or considered a delicacy, influencing local approaches to management and conservation.

International Cooperation

Global efforts to improve stingray sting management include:

1. Sharing of best practices for treatment
2. Collaborative research on venom and antidotes
3. International guidelines for marine safety
4. Cross-border conservation initiatives

Why is international cooperation important in managing stingray injuries? Sharing knowledge and resources globally can lead to more effective prevention strategies and treatments, benefiting coastal communities worldwide.

In conclusion, while stingray encounters can be dangerous, understanding these creatures and knowing how to respond to injuries can significantly reduce risks. As we continue to share our marine environments with stingrays, ongoing research and education will be key to ensuring safe and positive interactions with these fascinating animals.

Stingray Stings – Injuries; Poisoning

By

Robert A. Barish

, MD, MBA, University of Illinois at Chicago;

Thomas Arnold

, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022

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Topic Resources

Stingrays once caused about 750 stings/year along North American coasts; the present incidence is unknown, and most cases are not reported. Venom is contained in one or more spines on the dorsum of the animal’s tail. Injuries usually occur when an unwary swimmer wading in ocean surf, bay, or backwater steps on a stingray buried in the sand and provokes it to thrust its tail upward and forward, driving the dorsal spine (or spines) into the patient’s foot or leg. The integumentary sheath surrounding the spine ruptures, and the venom escapes into the patient’s tissues.

The main symptom of a stingray sting is immediate severe pain. Although often limited to the injured area, the pain may spread rapidly, reaching its greatest intensity in &lt 90 minutes; in most cases, pain gradually diminishes over 6 to 48 hours but occasionally lasts days or weeks. Syncope, weakness, nausea, and anxiety are common and may be due, in part, to peripheral vasodilation. Lymphangitis, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, generalized cramps, inguinal or axillary pain, respiratory distress, and death have been reported.

The wound is usually jagged, bleeds freely, and is often contaminated with parts of the integumentary sheath. The edges of the wound are often discolored, and some localized tissue destruction may occur. Generally, some swelling is present. Open wounds are subject to infection.

Stingray stings to an extremity should be gently irrigated with salt water in an attempt to remove fragments of spine, glandular tissue, and integument. The spine should be removed in the field only if it is superficially embedded and is not penetrating the neck, thorax, or abdomen or creating a through-and-through injury of a limb. Significant bleeding should be staunched with local pressure. Warm water immersion, although recommended by some experts, has not been verified as an effective early treatment for stingray injuries.

In the emergency department, the wound should be reexamined for remnants of the sheath and debrided; a local anesthetic may be given as needed. Embedded spines are treated similarly to other foreign bodies. Patients stung on the trunk should be evaluated closely for puncture of viscera. Treatment of systemic manifestations is supportive. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ), and an injured extremity should be elevated for several days. Use of antibiotics and surgical wound closure may be necessary.

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Prevention & Treatment of Stingray Injuries

The Bottom Line

Stingrays have long, thin, whip-like tails equipped with one to three barbed venomous spinal blades. Although they are generally shy, they may strike when unintentionally stepped on. Their venom causes intense pain, but the main risk of a stingray injury is the puncture wound. Hot water immersion and good wound care are central to managing stingray injuries.

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The Full Story

The stingray has a fierce reputation and is best known for its infamous tail – long, thin, and whip-like with one to three barbed venomous spinal blades. In Greek mythology, Odysseus was killed when his son Telegonus unintentionally stabbed him using a spear tipped with the spine of a stingray. In 2006, television personality and animal activist Steve Irwin, best known as The Crocodile Hunter, died after being pierced in his chest by a stingray. Stingrays pose a threat to fishermen and beachgoers. Every year, about 1,500-2,000 stingray injuries are reported in the US.

Contrary to its reputation, the stingray is a shy and even gentle creature that would rather swim away than strike. It reserves its stinger for its predators – sharks and other large carnivorous fish. It attacks people only when it feels directly threatened, often when it’s unintentionally stepped on.

Stingrays are flat and can vary in size from several inches to 6.5 ft. in length and weigh up to 800 lbs. Their wing-like fins create ripples in the water as they swim. There are 11 species of stingrays found in the coastal waters of the US. Their flat bodies and gray color allow them to be camouflaged on the sea floor, where they move slowly to forage for their prey (small fish and crustaceans like crabs and sea snails). Interestingly, a stingray cannot see its prey because its eyes are on the upper side of its body, while its mouth and nostrils are on the underside.

The dangerous part of a stingray is its infamous tail. The spinal blade is also known as the stinger or barb. This stinger is covered with rows of sharp spines made of cartilage and is strong enough to pierce through the skin of an attacker. Not only does the puncture itself cause injury and pain, but the stinger also releases a complex venom, which leads to intense pain at the puncture site. Uncommon effects of the venom include headaches, nausea and vomiting, fainting, low blood pressure, arrhythmias of the heart, and even seizures.

The most common sites of human envenomation are the legs and feet, which makes sense because the most common reason for envenomation is a swimmer unintentionally stepping on a stingray. The envenomation is often limited to severe pain that is relieved when the area is submerged in hot water. However, complications such as infection, serious bleeding, or physical trauma can occur. Part of the spine can also remain embedded in the tissue and require medical intervention to remove it. Death is extremely rare and results not from the venom but from the puncture wound itself if it is in the chest, abdomen, or neck. Death from serious infections like tetanus has also been reported.

Treatment of stingray injuries starts with first aid. Because the puncture is often deep and considered dirty, there is high risk of infection. It’s important to wash and disinfect the area immediately and obtain a tetanus vaccine or booster if needed. The wound should be inspected for any retained spines. The standard treatment for the pain is hot water immersion. Medical evaluation and treatment in a hospital is necessary if there are any retained spines in the wound, if the puncture is deep, or if it involves the chest, abdomen, or neck.

The best way to prevent being stung by a stingray is to avoid stepping on it when in the ocean by shuffling through the sand rather than lifting your feet and walking normally (commonly referred to as the “stingray shuffle”). This will warn a stingray of your approach, and it will likely swim away. A pole or stick can also be used ahead of your feet. Divers should be cautious and avoid swimming close to the sea floor. It is also important to know where stingrays are and never provoke them.

If you have a stingray injury, check the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Serkalem Mekonnen, RN, BSN, MPH
Certified Specialist in Poison Information

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Prevention Tips

• To avoid unintentionally stepping on a stingray, shuffle or drag your feet along the sea floor rather than lifting your feet and walking normally (do the “stingray shuffle”).
• Divers should avoid swimming too close to the sea floor.
• Fishermen who unintentionally catch a stingray should not attempt to disentangle it from the net or fishing line.
• Never provoke a stingray.

This Really Happened

A 47-year-old Danish man was stung on his left ankle by a stingray while he was vacationing on the west coast of Africa. He was stung while walking in shallow waters about 10 ft. from the beach. He immediately experienced intense pain in his left ankle, and he limped to shore. A local sailor repeatedly attempted to suck out the venom with his mouth. He also brought an unknown plant root, chewed it, and applied it to the wound with a compression band.

The pain gradually lessened over the course of a few hours. The plant root and compression band were removed. On the fourth day following the injury, the man developed a high fever along with shivering. The wound had become infected. He was started on oral antibiotics, but the wound did not get better – it was red, swollen, and necrotic. He was switched to intravenous antibiotics and was eventually flown back to Denmark for continued medical treatment.

The wound was surgically cleaned. Samples of the tissue indicated a mixed infection with bacteria usually found in the human mouth. The wound slowly healed, and the man was able to return to work 3 months after the incident. (From Hønge et al.)

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For More Information

Stauffer K, Wallace RM, Galland GG, Marano N. Animal bites & stings (zoonotic exposures) [Internet]. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; updated 2019 Jun 24 [cited 2020 Feb 28].

References

Charnigo A, Thiele G, Ondrus R. Stingray sting [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2019 Jun 3 [cited 2020 Feb 28].

Hønge LB, Patsche CB, Jensen MM, et al. Case report: iatrogenic infection from traditional treatment of stingray envenomation. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Mar;98(3):929-32

Blohm E; Brush DE. Marine envenomations. In: Nelson LS, Howland MA, Lewin NA, Smith SW, Goldfrank LR, Hoffman RS, editors. Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Stingrays [internet]. Washington: National Geographic; 2018 Sep 24 [cited 2020 Feb 28].

Poisoned?

Call


1-800-222-1222


or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

• To avoid unintentionally stepping on a stingray, shuffle or drag your feet along the sea floor rather than lifting your feet and walking normally (do the “stingray shuffle”).
• Divers should avoid swimming too close to the sea floor.
• Fishermen who unintentionally catch a stingray should not attempt to disentangle it from the net or fishing line.
• Never provoke a stingray.

This Really Happened

A 47-year-old Danish man was stung on his left ankle by a stingray while he was vacationing on the west coast of Africa. He was stung while walking in shallow waters about 10 ft. from the beach. He immediately experienced intense pain in his left ankle, and he limped to shore. A local sailor repeatedly attempted to suck out the venom with his mouth. He also brought an unknown plant root, chewed it, and applied it to the wound with a compression band.

The pain gradually lessened over the course of a few hours. The plant root and compression band were removed. On the fourth day following the injury, the man developed a high fever along with shivering. The wound had become infected. He was started on oral antibiotics, but the wound did not get better – it was red, swollen, and necrotic. He was switched to intravenous antibiotics and was eventually flown back to Denmark for continued medical treatment.

The wound was surgically cleaned. Samples of the tissue indicated a mixed infection with bacteria usually found in the human mouth. The wound slowly healed, and the man was able to return to work 3 months after the incident. (From Hønge et al.)

Consequences of being stung by a venomous stingray

Southern stingray spines (Dasyatis americana)

Rays form one of the largest and most important groups of venomous marine animals. 2,000 stingray stings are reported annually in the US. They live in warm, subtropical and tropical waters. The favorite habitat of these passive, secretive animals is the sandy or muddy bottom of closed lagoons and estuaries, where they feed on crustaceans and molluscs.

Rays have one to four venomous stingers on the back of an elongated whip-like appendage. This tail is a cartilaginous process studded with serrated spines. It is covered with a thin layer of skin that hides two ventrolateral areas with venom glands. When the tail plunges into the prey, the epithelial lining of the glands ruptures, releasing the venom. Like other venomous fish, the shell breaks on contact with prey, allowing the venom to enter the wound. The venom contains at least 10 amino acids and toxic substances, including phosphodiesterases, 5′-nucleotidase and serotonin. When extracted, the poison is very quickly destroyed, as it is very unstable and thermolabile.

Rays only attack defensively, and this usually happens when humans inadvertently touch or step on an animal. If you touch the wings of a stingray, then it throws its tail forward, plunging it into the victim. Out of the water, a stingray can also prick a person while in a net or on a hook. There has been a documented case of injury by a person stepping on a dead, decaying animal.

Rays occasionally appear on the coast of Wales. Below is a case of a fisherman getting a lacerated wound on his lower leg from contact with a stingray.

Case description
Stingrays appeared on the coast of Wales in July 1994. An angler caught a 19 kilogram (42 lb) stingray in south Wales but was able to avoid contact with the venomous stinger. On the west coast of Wales, a fisherman caught an 18-kilogram (40 lb) stingray during a fishing event run by the Welsh Fire Department. Several colleagues helped him get the animal to shore, and, unfortunately, one of them hit the stingray, which stuck its tail into the fisherman. The sting penetrated boots (modified rubber) and trousers, tearing the shin of the left leg. The patient reported acute pain in the area of ​​the wound. Later the pain spread to the ankle. The fisherman went to the nearest emergency room. The doctor who examined him reported the incident to the Welsh National Poisons Unit, who gave advice on how to treat the injury. The wound was washed with warm water to neutralize thermolabile poisons. Then it was disinfected, and the edges of the wound were treated surgically under general anesthesia. The wound was not sutured, but bandaged, and the patient was left overnight for further observation. The patient was prescribed antibiotics, tetanus toxoid vaccine was not required. The angler was discharged the next morning and was seen by his therapist. Follow-up showed that the patient went to the emergency room again because the leg was swollen and red. The soft tissues of the leg were examined several times, and the wound healed in two months. There was an 8 cm scar on the lower leg.

Discussion
Clinical manifestation
The symptoms of the injection appear immediately. Severe pain appears in the area of ​​the wound, proportional to the severity of the injury. Swelling around the wound is constant, but its severity may vary. The wound turns blue, then erythema (violent reddening of the skin caused by capillary dilation) and petechiae (tiny hemorrhages) may appear. As a result, local tissue necrosis, ulceration, gangrene may occur. Pain peaks within 90 minutes. Without medical treatment of the wound, the pain lasts up to 48 hours. Systemic manifestations and signs can vary greatly and include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps and fasciculations, sweating, fainting, and headaches. Cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, convulsions and, in rare cases, death have also been reported.

Soft tissue injury from a stingray sting can be quite extensive. In addition to the stab wound, the cutting action of the spikes leads to damage and rupture of the underlying soft tissues. Most often, people injure the lower and upper limbs. Serious injuries and deaths from stings from rays are described in Cooper’s article, including fatal cases from tail strikes to the chest and abdomen. Foreign components (cartilage and epithelium) can get into the wound. Secondary infection is quite common due to the unique environment created by seawater. Pathogenic marine bacteria can be halophilic (bacteria that live in environments with high salt concentrations), heterotrophic (bacteria that need complex compounds for nutrition, since the possibilities for their synthesis are limited), motile, gram-negative. The genus of bacteria Vibrio (Vibrio) is quite common and can be very dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to neutralize the local and systemic effects of the poison, reduce pain and prevent infection. The wound should be treated immediately with any available liquid. In practice, as a rule, this is sea water. Any noticeable pieces of stinger or epithelial tissue should be removed. As soon as possible, the wound should be washed with warm water (about 40 ° C) for 30-90 minutes, avoiding possible thermal damage. Heat will inactivate any thermolabile poisons. If the pain persists, it can be relieved by lavage with warm water, regional anesthesia, or wound infiltration. Vesicular fluid should be removed in a timely manner under sterile conditions. Then the wound is washed again, examined, necrotic tissues and foreign bodies are removed. With the help of X-rays, the remains of radiopaque cartilage spikes can be determined. It may be necessary to leave the wound open for a while or perform additional surgery. The prophylactic use of antibiotics is controversial, but they can be given to people who are immunosuppressed or have very serious wounds. Always remember to prevent tetanus. Patients should be observed within four hours after the injection for possible systemic reactions. Sometimes the ingestion of poison is accompanied by an allergic reaction, in which case prompt treatment of anaphylaxis is required.

Fortunately, a large number of stingrays lose or tear the epithelial lining of glands (45% of 4000 in one study), so stingray attacks are limited to soft tissue injury without venom.
——
from: RJ Evans, R S Davies. Stingray injury. Accid EmergMed 1996;13:224-225

bites, first aid, symptoms and treatment

contents

Overview

Rays are flat, disc-shaped creatures with wing-like fins. River species can be salty or freshwater. They are most commonly associated with tropical oceanic climates, and their bites are the most common injury on the beach.

The hornet’s tail is long, thin and narrow, resembling a whip. At the end of the tail, one or more prickly spikes covered with a sheath. Each spike contains venom, and the stinger’s tail can deliver a strong, incredibly painful bite.

Stingrays are not usually dangerous – in fact they have a reputation for being gentle. They often burrow under sand in shallows and swim in open water. Stingrays usually only stink when unconscious swimmers swim in them.

You can avoid being stabbed most of the time. But if you feel a prick, there are a few things you can do right away to start relieving the pain.

First aid for stab wounds

When stabbed, you will immediately feel severe pain at the wound site. It is necessary to start treating the wound immediately if it is superficial.

If a hedgehog has pierced your throat, neck, stomach, or chest, or completely pierced part of your body, do not attempt to remove it. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Otherwise, stay in the ocean and get the boat out if you can. Let the salt water cleanse the wound by applying pressure to slow bleeding and stimulate the release of toxin.

Try to remove any additional debris you may see when cutting or drilling while you are still in the water.

Pay attention to how you feel after being bitten. A life-threatening allergic reaction to the released poison is possible, so urgent medical attention is needed. Expect the area to swell.

Hot water kills the venom of the bite and may relieve the pain associated with the bite. Once you determine that you are not having an allergic reaction, you can try soaking the stinger in hot water (although some sources state there is no evidence that irrigation is effective).

The ideal soak temperature is between 110°C and 115°C. Heat the water every 43 minutes to keep it hot, and soak the wound for 46 to 10 minutes or as long as needed to soothe the pain. Warm water can also release a jelly-like poison.

After pain relief, apply antibiotic ointment or cream to the wound and cover with gauze.

What are the symptoms of a bite?

If you have been stung, you may notice the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• bleeding
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• severe pain at the wound site
• humor
• headache
• low blood pressure
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• necrosis (death) surrounding tissues
• pain in the limbs
• painful, swollen lymph nodes near the site
• discoloration of the skin
• swelling
• vomiting

The following symptoms may be signs of a systemic reaction or respiratory failure and require immediate medical attention:

• unconsciousness
• arrhythmia
• 0 seizures
• shortness of breath
• sweating

Possible cardiac arrest or shock state of the body after a bite. Several people died from stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

If you have a stab wound and haven’t updated your tetanus shot, it’s time to get it back.

If you have had a sore for some time but are slowly healing, you have redness or extra swelling in the area, or the spot is starting to ooze pus, seek treatment immediately. The site may become infected and your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (orally or intravenously) to treat it.

Like stabbings

Because rays camouflage themselves under the sand when hunting, they can be hard to spot and easy to step on if you don’t know what to look for.

When threatened, the rye will defend itself with its tail, which can reach up to the head, leaving a wound or stab wound on our skin.

When you are hit by a whiptail, one or more of its spikes can pierce your skin. The sample around each spike then breaks down and releases the toxin into the wound and surrounding tissues.

Rays most often sting people on the legs, ankles and feet, but sometimes they can sting anywhere on the body.

To avoid being bitten by a stingray, shuffle your feet across the sand when walking in shallow water. This will alert you that you are coming. Another option is to throw grenades or small rocks into the water in front of you as you walk.

How are knife wounds treated?

If you are in a medical emergency, your doctor will carefully examine your wound. They have to remove all contamination of the match in the wound from the spikes or scabbard. They may take the x-ray pages to determine if all debris has been removed. The x-ray shows a fragment of the spine and scabbard.

You may be given a prescription or intravenous antibiotic, and stitches if the wound is large or deep. You can also get a tetanus shot.

In some cases, you may need postoperative surgery to remove dead tissue or heal a serious wound.

What is the probability of being stabbed?

In most people, stab wounds heal within a few weeks. Expect local numbness and tingling around the wound during the healing period.