Jellyfish sting returns 1 week later

I got stung by a jellyfish a week ago in Connecticut. It got stuck in my bracelet and starting stinging me. It hurt for an hour and there were marks on my arm also for a hour. After that it disapeared. But now just getting out of the shower i notice a rash where i got stung. I didnt put any cream or anything like that on it. Only When i got stung i went to the lifeguard and he sprayed vinegar and salt water. Right now it doesnt hurt at all, just tingles a little but there are some red spots and little bumps. I dont know what it means or what happened for it to come back. Help please!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Jellyfish stings cause immediate, intense pain and burning that can last for several hours. Raised, red welts develop along the site of the sting, which may look as if you have been hit with a whip. The welts may last for 1 to 2 weeks, and itchy skin rashes may appear 1 to 4 weeks after the sting. Fortunately, most jellyfish stings are not severe.

Treatment of jelly fish stings include immediate application of vinegar and hot water or salt water which you have already done. For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Aleve every 8 hours for pain.Also take healthy nutritious diet.

If associated with any difficulty in breathing or wheezing or severity in symptoms,pls consult ER for treatment as it can be life threatening anaphylaxis.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[caregiver222]

Another treatment that is sometimes helpful with jellyfish and insect stings. Get some monosodium glutamate, commonly sold as "Accent" in the foodstores. Make a paste and rub it on the affected area.