community Jellyfish, sea urchins and reef cuts: quick first aid that helps
July 10, 2026 · The Dispensary Arugambay
The reef and the surf give Arugam Bay its magic — and send us a steady stream of the same three injuries. Here’s what to do in the first few minutes.
Jellyfish stings. Rinse with seawater, not fresh water (fresh water can fire off more stingers). Remove any tentacles with a gloved hand or tweezers, not bare fingers. Warm water and simple painkillers help. Come in if the sting is large, wraps a limb, or you feel unwell.
Sea-urchin spines. Don’t dig at them on the beach — you’ll usually break the spine and push it deeper. Soak the area in warm water and come in. We remove spines properly and check for infection.
Reef cuts. Coral cuts trap bacteria and get infected easily. Rinse with clean water, stop the bleeding, and don’t ignore a cut that’s deep, gaping, or on the foot. We clean the wound thoroughly, close it if needed, and give a tetanus booster.
For anything that won’t stop bleeding, keeps hurting, or looks infected (spreading redness, warmth, pus) — walk in. We’re open 24 hours.
Full guides: jellyfish stings, sea-urchin spines, and reef cuts.
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