What happens if u get stung by a stingray

Stingrays are flat and can vary in size from several inches to 6. 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. American College of Emergency Physicians. About Us. Jellyfish and Stingray Stings.

If stung by a jellyfish or stingray: Carefully remove any tentacles or stingers still on the body. Make sure to cover your hand or use a tool — do not directly touch the tentacles or you will be injured. Soak jellyfish stings in salt water or vinegar fresh water will increase pain and may release more of the toxin.

Stingrays have long, thin tails that are tapered at the edge to look like a whip. These tails are tipped with barbed spines covered by a sheath. Hidden, barbed spines would be enough for most creatures, but not the stingray. They had to up the ante by also including venom, which grants the cantankerous little rays a painful, powerful sting.

In general, stingrays prefer not to sting if they can help it. According to Healthline , they only sting when they are disturbed, manhandled, or stepped on by unwary swimmers. Even then, they try to float away before their victim can conduct any sort of retaliation. Summer guide to traveling by gondolas. For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!

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