Bluebottle stings
Bluebottles are common on Sydney beaches in summer. healthdirect’s first-aid advice is to wash the sting with sea water (not fresh water), remove any tentacles, and put the area in hot water at about 45°C, no hotter than is comfortable, for 20 minutes. Don’t put vinegar on a bluebottle sting.
Come and see us if the pain doesn’t settle, the sting covers a large area, the skin blisters or looks infected, or the sting is near your eyes. Call 000 straight away if someone has trouble breathing, collapses or feels very unwell.
Sunburn
Bad sunburn can blister, swell and make you feel unwell. See a doctor if you have large blisters, a fever or chills, a headache or confusion, or the burn covers a large area of your body.
Surf and beach injuries
Board knocks, cuts from rocks and reef, and sprained ankles are common. Deep or gaping cuts may need stitches, and the sooner they’re seen the better. We can also check whether you’re due for a tetanus booster.
Swimmer’s ear and sore eyes
Ear pain after swimming, or red and sore eyes from sand and salt water, can usually be treated quickly.
First-aid information from healthdirect: jellyfish stings.