Regardless of What You have Heard, Peeing On A Jellyfish Sting Is NEVER The Reply — Here is Why

Your seaside trip has lastly arrived. You’re within the ocean, swimming round, floating and even boogie-boarding. And all of a sudden, you’re feeling a stinging sensation from a jellyfish.

Sadly, that is fairly widespread, with 150 million individuals worldwide getting stung yearly.

The primary treatment you may consider is a standard one, and it was even featured within the TV collection “Friends”: peeing on the sting.

If this involves thoughts, you’re in good firm: In keeping with a nationwide survey by MedStar Health, 44% of individuals consider that peeing on a jellyfish sting will assist soothe it. In actuality, although, medical doctors say it may well trigger extra issues.

“We’ve all heard the myth about peeing on a jellyfish sting, but it’s not just unhelpful — it can actually make the pain worse,” stated Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the chief medical adviser for Sleepopolis, who’s quadruple-board licensed in inside, important care, pulmonary and sleep drugs.

Forward, he and different medical doctors clarify why peeing on a jellyfish sting is dangerous and supply useful alternate options.

First, let’s begin with a fast science lesson from Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist at MedStar Health who’s board-certified in undersea and hyperbaric drugs. She defined that jellyfish tentacles comprise barb-like projectiles which might be contained inside constructions referred to as “nematocysts.” After they contact human pores and skin, the nematocysts discharge the barb-like projectiles, which penetrate the pores and skin and launch venom.

“The pain from a jellyfish sting is related to both the skin penetration and the toxins present in the venom,” she added. “There are multiple species of jellyfish found throughout the world, and the venom characteristics can vary between species and can even differ within the same species.”

Apparently, urine can improve the nematocyst discharge, worsening the ache.

“The problem is, urine can set those off, especially if its chemical makeup isn’t right,” Dasgupta stated. “So, instead of calming the sting, you might end up releasing even more venom into the skin.” This has been proven in analysis, too.

This downside can worsen when you’ve got an open wound.

“Urine is not sterile and can thus cause an infection as well,” added Dr. Deepak Khanna, an internist and household drugs doctor at Penn Medication. “Urinating on a wound or sting can worsen the pain [and] cause a localized infection, which can lead to a systemic reaction, even.” (Aka, a response that impacts your whole physique.)

Since peeing isn’t the reply, what’s?

After getting stung by a jellyfish, step one is to get out of the water — even when it doesn’t damage “that bad.”

“That sounds obvious, but it’s important to stop any more stings and avoid getting hurt further if you’re in pain or disoriented,” Dasgupta stated.

It’s true: Extreme jellyfish stings may cause confusion and dizziness. They’ll additionally trigger muscle cramps, Khanna stated, which will be particularly unsafe whenever you’re in a physique of water. (Sufficient stated.)

Then, it’s time to deal with the sting — which is and isn’t a easy course of.

“Since jellyfish venom can vary among and within species, there are no uniformly effective treatments for all jellyfish stings,” Johnson-Arbor defined.

With that stated, let’s speak about some usually useful remedies.

This may increasingly sound gross, however the excellent news is that you just don’t should — and actually, shouldn’t — use your naked fingers.

“Use tweezers or even the edge of a credit card to gently scrape them off,” Dasgupta stated. “Don’t use your bare hands, or you could end up getting stung [there], too.”

Emphasis on the phrase “hot.”

“What you don’t want to do is rinse with fresh water,” Dasgupta clarified. “It can actually cause the cells to fire more venom.”

Quite, use sizzling (however not scalding) water, and soak for 20 minutes. “The heat helps break down the venom and can bring a lot of relief,” he defined.

After soaking, Khanna advisable leaving the realm alone and taking an NSAID (like aspirin or ibuprofen) if you happen to’re nonetheless experiencing ache or irritation.

If the sting feels itchy, Johnson-Arbor advised an anti-itch treatment, like hydrocortisone cream, or an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Generally, a jellyfish sting is simply an annoyance. Different occasions, it may well result in extra critical well being issues.

“If you notice trouble breathing, chest pain or swelling beyond the sting area, get medical attention right away,” Dasgupta stated. “Some stings can trigger serious allergic reactions.”

Some indicators of an allergic response, in response to Khanna, are fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, rigor (aka chills or shivering) and evening sweats.

Fortunately, the sooner steps are fairly efficient, although.

“Most [patients] improved rapidly after proper decontamination and pain control,” Khanna stated, chatting with his apply. “Always speak to your health care provider and seek care before applying any home remedies that you see online.”