Scientists studying the man o' war jellyfish found popular remedies like lemon juice and shaving foam make stings worse. Vinegar followed by heat is most effective. read more
Luckily enough, scientists discovered early on that vinegar (~5% acetic acid solution) irreversibly prevents nematocysts from firing, allowing people to rinse off tentacles without causing more trauma (which is also how the folk remedy of peeing on a sting originated, though vinegar is more effective and far less gross). read more
The sting is from a box jellyfish. The sting covers more than half an arm or leg. For more information about severe allergic reaction, see Anaphylaxis. 1. Get Out of the Water 2. Stop the Stinging. Rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. Remove tentacles with a pair of tweezers. read more
Everyone has a theory on the best treatment for jellyfish stings - vinegar, hot water, fresh water, urine, cold tea, warm beer. Queensland experts advise that vinegar is best for jellyfish stings, but not all stingers should be treated the same way, says Dr Lisa-Ann Gershwin, director of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Service. read more