Stung by a jellyfish on vacation? Here’s what you should do

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Contrary to popular belief, you really shouldn’t pee on a jellyfish sting.

Jellyfish stings are on the rise in Florida, according to The Weather Channel. More than 600 people were treated for jellyfish stings over the weekend along Florida's central Atlantic coast, according to lifeguards on the beaches. Here's what you need to do if you suspect you've been stung by a jellyfish, according to the Mayo Clinic:

1. SEEING A DOCTOR You don't necessarily need to see your doctor for a jellyfish sting. Treatment for jellyfish includes first-aid care and medical treatment, depending on the type of jellyfish, the severity of the sting and your reaction to it.

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2. VINEGAR Most jellyfish stings can be treated as follows:

  • Rinse the area with vinegar.
  • Carefully pluck visible tentacles with a fine tweezers.
  • Soak the skin in hot water. Use water — it should feel hot, not scalding. Keep the affected skin immersed or in a hot shower for 20 to 45 minutes.

3. DON'T DO THESE THINGS These are a few things that are unhelpful or unproven solutions to jellyfish stings: scraping out stingers, rinsing with seawater, rinsing with human urine, applying alcohol, rubbing with a towel, applying pressure bandages or applying a meat tenderizer.

4. SEVERE REACTIONS If someone is having a severe reaction to a jellyfish sting, they may need CPR or life support. If the string is from a box jellyfish, they may need antivenin medication, according to the Mayo Clinic.

5. EYE STINGS If a jellyfish sting occurs near or on the eye, immediate medical care is required for pain control and an eye flushing. Someone with this type of sting will likely need to see an ophthalmologist.

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