AN EXPERT has shared advice on what to do if you are stung by a potentially fatal sea creature after the rare animal was spotted on beaches in Sussex.

A Portuguese Man o’ war was found on a beach in the village of Climping, near Littlehampton, earlier this month.

In February, another Portuguese Man-o'-War was spotted on Brighton beach.

The marine hydrozoan, similar to a jellyfish, is typically found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

A coastal warden from Arun and Worthing Councils has shared advice on what to do if you come across a Portuguese Man o’ war.

“Their large translucent purple float, a crest tipped with pink and long blueish-violet tentacles makes them unmistakable,” the expert said. “You may see them bobbing on the surface of the sea or caught in seaweed.

“When washed ashore, they quickly lose their colour and turn translucent with just a tinge of purple.

“Whilst their sting can result in a painful rash that can last for a considerable amount of time, it is unlikely it could kill you. 

“The best advice is to not touch them. If you do, you should follow the advice from the NHS, which is that most stings from sea creatures in the UK are not serious and can be treated with first aid.”

Here is a list of dos and don’ts:

Do

- Rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water)

- Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card

- Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes, using  hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak the area

- Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen

Don’t

- Do not use vinegar

- Do not pee on the sting

- Do not apply ice or a cold pack

- Do not touch any spines with your bare hands

- Do not cover or close the wound

In a previous statement released by Arun District Council, the public were warned to be aware of the sea creature.

“They come from warmer climates in the Atlantic, however the very strong winds that we have been experiencing may have redirected them to our shores,” a spokesman said.

“Please be cautious when walking on the beach. Do not touch them and keep dogs on leads.

“The sting from a Portuguese Man o’ war can be very painful and if ingested by a dog can be toxic and in some cases fatal.”