There’s lots of advice out there on how to handle a jellyfish sting.
The most common and persistent mythical solution is urine.
But it turns out, this is unlikely to help you out when you’re stung – and there’s an alternative solution that could be far more effective.
In fact, urinating on a jellyfish sting could actually make things worse.
It has no effect on the venom because it dilutes and spreads the stinging cells still on your skin, said Philip Swart, the medical director at Altezza Travel.
There are much safer methods, but the best? Use vinegar.
Philip says: ‘The right step is vinegar. It neutralises the nematocysts, the microscopic stinging capsules, and stops more venom from firing.’
He said travellers should rinse with seawater instead of freshwater if vinegar isn’t available.
There’s lots of advice out there on how to handle a jellyfish sting. The most common and persistent mythical solution is urine
But it turns out, this is unlikely to help you out when you’re stung – and there’s an alternative solution that could be far more effective
Freshwater can cause the stinging cells to discharge even more, whereas seawater keeps the jellyfish’s stinging capsules inert, Travel and Leisure reported.
Philip went on to say: ‘Those little stinging capsules act like tiny syringes, and many don’t fire right away, but they can if triggered.
‘Freshwater causes a change in pressure and makes them discharge upon contact, so people can end up with a second dose of venom even after leaving the ocean.’
You also need to remove the tentacles, with tweezers or the edge of a card.
Philip explained you should not touch them with your fingers because the capsules can still fire upon contact and you don’t want the venom to transfer onto your hands.
It is paramount you act fast, too.
There are certain signs to look out for, Philip adds.
He says: ‘Always monitor how your body reacts, and be sure to watch for spreading swelling, breathing issues, or sudden dizziness, as these are red flags that require immediate medical attention.’
Freshwater can cause the stinging cells to discharge even more, whereas seawater keeps the jellyfish’s stinging capsules inert
A 2022 survey revealed three in 10 Britons would wee on themselves if stung by a jellyfish – and one in five would ask a friend or partner to do so.
But this myth has been debunked, with experts warning it has been dangerous.
The urine treatment was popularised by an episode of Friends, called The One With The Jellyfish.
When Monica gets stung, Joey suggests urinating on a jellyfish sting will make the pain go away.
