AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Portuguese Man of War question and warning

A friend of ours who is down on vacation had a run in with a Portuguese Man of War this morning. The pain is pretty bad at the moment for him.

He tried vinegar, and a cold compress but neither seemed to help much - doesn't anyone have a good remedy, atleast for the pain? Or who would be a good doctor to go see?

Sounds like it's that time of the year again where they are out so folks should keep an eye when swimming/snorkeling.

Thanks in advance.

Taco Boy,
Adolfs meat tenderizer helps, it is better with Jelly Fish, but does offer some relief. Rub it on liberally, I think we made a mash of sorts with a little vinegar. Good luck, got hit a couple years ago and had a white stripe around my leg for two years, looked strange compared to my tan

Hi Tacoboy - your friend should go to a doctor. Usually they are also treated with prednisone. The full reaction to the toxins can be delayed and you don't want serious complications occuring in the middle of the night.

Dr Otto should be at the Poly clinic and he is an expert in such stings!

thanks all. I let him know.

Amanda, where is the Poly Clinic located? Is that the one just south of Captain Shark's? Thanks.

No, the Poly Clinic is directly behind the Tropic Air Hanger and the Island Supermarket - in the vicinity of the Bowen and Bowen Beer distributor.

The one by Capt Shark's is the Lion's Clinic.

ammonia works really well. undiluted

There is no longer the Lion's Clinic by Capt Shark's - think it is a Chinese restaurant. . .

Pure white vinegar (soak a gauze pad and place it over the sting), and ibuprofen for a large single jelly fish hit (such as a Man of War). Been there, done that when I lived in Mexico. Had a boy stung this week, did the vinegar and Advil and he was up and running, and fine in short time.

Prednisone, doctors visits etc...usually only necessary for terrible cases of "Sea Lice" rash. Which I have to say, is the most annoying thing I have ever had (when I lived in the Caymans). Been pretty lucky here myself (knocked already).