STING PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

When you swim in an area known to have a large concentration of jellyfish you can pervert stings by wearing Lycra "swim skin", or pantyhose, or a layer of petroleum jelly spread on bare skin will protect you if you go swimming.

If you do get stung there are several thing you can do. If there are bits or pieces of tentacles still on the skin, pour alcohol or baby powder on the area. Alcohol will keep the stinging cells from stinging. Powders will dry up the cells and make them stop stinging. Without treatment when disturbed the stinging cells will activate and cause additional swelling and irritation.

Next, apply ammonia, sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, or meat tenderizer to the area. The meat tenderizer is the best to use since meat tenderizer breaks down proteins and the venom of a jelly fish is mainly protein based.

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