Health Library

Stingray

A stingray is a sea animal with a whip-like tail. The tail has sharp spines that contain venom. This article describes the effects of a stingray sting. Stingrays are the most common group of fish that sting humans. Twenty-two species of stingrays are found in US coastal waters, 14 in the Atlantic and 8 in the Pacific.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual stingray sting. If you or someone you are with is stung, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

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Poisonous Ingredient

Stingray venom contains many toxic chemicals.

Where Found

Stingrays and related species that carry toxic venom live in oceans all over the world.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of a stingray sting in different parts of the body.

AIRWAYS AND LUNGS

• Breathing difficulty

EARS, NOSE AND THROAT

• Salivating and drooling

HEART AND BLOOD

• No heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Collapse (shock)

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Fainting
• Body cramps and muscle twitching
• Headache
• Numbness and tingling
• Paralysis
• Weakness

SKIN

• Bleeding
• Discoloration and blistering, sometimes containing blood
• Pain and swelling of lymph nodes near the area of the sting
• Severe pain at site of sting
• Sweating
• Swelling, both at the sting site and throughout the body, especially if the sting is on the skin of the trunk

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. Some stingray stings can be serious and require professional care.

For superficial stings to an arm or leg, while waiting for medical help, you can provide initial treatment to help alleviate pain and prevent infection:

• Immediately get out of the water and into a safe environment.
• Control bleeding (if any) by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
• Next soak the wound with hot water. Immerse the affected area in water at 104°F to 113°F (40°C to 45°C), or if no thermometer is onsite, then as hot as can be comfortably tolerated on an unaffected limb. Soak the wound for 30 to not longer than 90 minutes, periodically checking the water temperature to maintain its warmth.
• After soaking, gently wash the wound with mild soap and clean water to remove any dirt, debris, or venom that may be present.
• If not allergic, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
• Cover the wound using a sterile bandage or a sterile non-stick dressing with tape.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Type of sea animal
• Time of the sting
• Location of the sting

Poison Control

The local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also get online poison help now at Poisonhelp.org. Just enter the product, poison, or medicine to get expert help.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Your health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The wound will be soaked in a cleaning solution and any remaining debris will be removed. Symptoms will be treated.

You may receive: 

• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth into the throat, and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Intravenous fluids (IV, through a vein)
• Medicine called an antiserum to reverse the effect of the venom
• Medicine to treat symptoms
• X-rays

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome often depends on how much venom entered the body, the location of the sting, and how soon the person receives treatment. Numbness or tingling may last for several weeks after the sting. Deep stinger penetration may require surgery for removal. Skin breakdown from the venom is sometimes severe enough to require surgery.

A puncture in the person's chest or abdomen may lead to death.

References

Auerbach PS, DiTullio AE. Envenomation by aquatic vertebrates. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 75.

Curtis AM, Erickson TB. Venomous animal injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 53.

Seifert SA, Dart RC, White J. Envenomation, bites, and stings. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 96.

Warrell DA. Animals hazardous to humans: venomous bites and stings and envenoming. In: Ryan ET, Hill DR, Solomon T, Aronson NE, Endy TP, eds. Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 137.

Review Date: 7/1/2025  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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