It is an iconic scene: A beachgoer is stung by a jellyfish and is writhing in ache. Determined, the sufferer permits somebody to do the unthinkable — pee on them.
Urinating on a jellyfish sting to alleviate the ache is notorious because of TV reveals like “Buddies.” However does pee actually assist relieve the ache of a jellyfish sting? It seems, urine is more likely to make the sting worse, not higher.
Consultants agree that peeing on a jellyfish sting does not provide any actual profit. The parable seemingly began as a result of urine comprises ammonia and urea, giving it a barely primary pH, Jessica Colla, director of schooling on the Maui Ocean Heart in Hawaii, advised Dwell Science in an e mail.
Jellyfish are gelatinous marine creatures that sting in response to strain that prompts venom cells lining the animal’s tentacles. These venom cells, referred to as nematocysts, deploy tiny, harpoon-like constructions to inject their venom into the pores and skin after which proceed to hold on like a prickly burr. What the injured particular person does subsequent is important, as a result of pouring the improper liquid on the harm — one thing with a drastically completely different pH or salt stability — may cause the nematocysts on the pores and skin to discharge extra venom.
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The urine-jellyfish fable is predicated on the concept pee with its primary pH “might be extra indicative of seawater,” the nematocysts’ pure atmosphere, Richard Clark, medical director of the San Diego division of California Poison Management System, advised Dwell Science. The rationale is that urine may rinse away the nematocysts with out stimulating them, he mentioned. However that is not what occurs.
Since urine is usually diluted, it could actually resemble recent water greater than seawater. And also you by no means need to rinse a sting with recent water, as a result of it makes the ache worse. The dramatic distinction in dissolved salt between recent and seawater causes the nematocysts to launch extra venom. The identical is true for urine. If it is too dilute, it’s going to trigger the nematocysts to maintain firing.
The much better possibility is to simply use seawater, Clark advised Dwell Science. Research have additionally proven vinegar (5% acetic acid) can neutralize nematocysts from some jellyfish species.
True jellyfish first assist may be surprisingly easy. Listed below are some higher — and fewer disgusting — methods to handle discomfort after a jellyfish encounter, in accordance with Colla.
- 1. Rinse with sea water or vinegar: Copious quantities of sea water is one of the simplest ways to rinse the sting. Vinegar can be a dependable possibility for stings by most jellyfish species, serving to to inactivate nematocysts and stop additional venom launch. Nonetheless, If the kind of jellyfish is unknown, it is best to stay with sea water, Colla mentioned.
- 2. Take away the tentacles: Eradicating tentacles and nematocysts is necessary to stop additional envenomation and ache. Don’t attempt to scrape off the tentacles along with your palms. As a substitute, rigorously take away them with tweezers, then take away the nematocysts with the sting of one thing flat and stiff, like a bank card.
- 3. Search medical consideration: Some jellyfish stings may be extreme or deadly. For those who expertise “swelling, nausea, confusion, physique aches or issue respiratory — see a physician straight away,” Colla mentioned. A sting from a field jellyfish (endemic to the Indo-Pacific area and Australia) might require antivenom remedy.
This text is for informational functions solely, and isn’t meant to supply medical recommendation.