Coral Cuts, Jellyfish Stings, and Sea Lice: Hawaii Ocean Skin Care

Coral cuts, jellyfish stings, and sea lice are common ocean skin problems in Hawaii. Most are mild and heal with careful cleaning and time. See a provider for cuts that look infected or stings that linger. Get emergency care for any trouble breathing.

You climb out of the water at the end of a snorkel. Your ankle stings where you brushed the reef. By evening, the scrape looks pink and puffy.

Book my visit or call (808) 263-3233 if an ocean injury is not healing.

Why do coral cuts need extra care?

Coral is sharp and rough. Even a light brush can scrape or cut the skin. Tiny bits of coral and ocean germs can stay in the wound.

That is why a coral scrape can heal more slowly than a cut from home. It may stay red, itchy, or swollen for days.

Clean care in the first few hours makes a big difference.

How do you care for a coral cut?

Start as soon as you are out of the water. These steps help most people:

• Rinse the cut well with clean fresh water

• Gently wash with mild soap and water

• Flush out any sand or small bits you can see

• Pat dry with a clean towel

• Cover with a clean bandage

• Clean and check the wound each day

Stay out of the ocean until the cut closes. Seawater and sand can bring in more germs. Keep healing skin out of the sun, since new skin burns easily.

What should you do for a jellyfish sting?

Most jellyfish stings in Hawaii cause pain, redness, and welts. The pain often eases within hours.

General steps that help:

• Get out of the water calmly

• Follow the lifeguard's directions if one is nearby

• Remove any tentacles you can see, without bare hands

• Do not rub the area with sand or a towel

• Use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for comfort

Lifeguards post box jellyfish warnings on some Hawaii beaches on certain days each month. Check for signs before you swim. Portuguese man o' war can also wash in on windy days.

What are sea lice?

"Sea lice" is the common name for an itchy rash after swimming. It is not caused by lice. Tiny jellyfish or sea creature larvae get trapped under swimwear.

The rash often shows up where your suit fits tight. Small red bumps can appear hours after swimming.

To lower your risk:

• Change out of your swimsuit soon after you get out

• Rinse off with fresh water

• Wash your swimsuit before you wear it again

A cool shower and loose clothing can ease the itch. Do not scratch, since that can break the skin.

What makes Hawaii ocean skin care different?

Many of us are in the ocean year round. That means more chances for small cuts and stings. It also means less time for skin to fully heal between swims.

Warm, humid air keeps wounds damp. Damp skin can take longer to close. Strong UV can darken healing skin and leave marks.

Reef shoes and rash guards help protect your skin. Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide helps too, and it is gentler on reefs. Sunscreen should go on healthy skin, not on an open cut.

What should you avoid?

Some common habits can make ocean injuries worse:

• Going back in the water with an open cut

• Picking at scabs or bits of coral

• Rubbing a sting with sand

• Using harsh home remedies on broken skin

• Ignoring a wound that gets worse each day

If you are not sure what to put on a wound, keep it simple. Clean water, mild soap, and a clean cover go a long way.

When should you see a provider?

Most minor ocean injuries heal on their own. See a dermatology provider if:

• A cut is still red or sore after a few days

• You have a rash that does not fade in about a week

• A sting leaves a raised mark that does not go away

• You see a lump or dark spot where a wound healed

Get urgent care for a cut that grows more red, warm, or swollen. Also go for pus, red streaks, or a fever. These can be signs of infection.

After a sting, call 911 for trouble breathing or chest tightness. Do the same for swelling of the face or throat. Also get emergency care for a very large or deep cut.

At Hawaiian Islands Dermatology, our team checks rashes, slow-healing skin, and marks left behind. A licensed, dermatology-trained PA and a real medical dermatology clinic means you get a clear answer. Doug Williams, MPAS, PA-C, has more than 20 years focused only on dermatology. Your provider will tell you what fits your skin.

Live on a neighbor island? Telehealth is available for neighbor island patients. We accept Quest and Medicaid for telehealth visits.

Common questions

Should I pee on a jellyfish sting?

No. This is an old myth, and it does not help. Follow lifeguard advice and keep the area cool and clean.

Is it safe to swim with a coral cut?

It is best to stay out until the cut closes. Ocean water can carry germs into an open wound.

Why does my coral scrape itch so much?

Coral scrapes often stay irritated longer than other scrapes. Small bits can stay in the skin. If the itch or redness keeps growing, have it checked.

Can sea lice spread from person to person?

No. The rash comes from tiny ocean larvae, not from other people. Washing your suit helps prevent it next time.

Can I use telehealth for a rash after swimming?

Often, yes. A provider can look at photos and your symptoms. Deep cuts and signs of infection need an in-person visit.

Ready to see us in Kailua, Oahu?

If an ocean cut or rash is not healing, we can take a look.

Doug Williams, MPAS, PA-C, and our team see patients at 1051 Keolu Dr #107 in Kailua, Oahu. We offer telehealth for neighbor island patients, and we accept most major insurance for medical visits. We are open Monday to Friday, with one Saturday clinic each month.

Book my visit or call (808) 263-3233.

Last updated: October 30, 2026.

This article is general education, not medical advice.