No, urinating on a jellyfish sting does not help; This is what really works, according to experts

Few travel myths are as persistent as the idea that urinating on a jellyfish sting will relieve the pain. However, despite its popularity, research debunks this long-held belief.

In fact, urine has no effect on the venom because it dilutes and spreads the stinging cells still in the skin, said Philip Swart, medical director of Journey to Highnessa tour operator in Tanzania. Instead, there are safer, science-backed treatments.

“The right step is vinegar,” Swart said. “It neutralizes the nematocysts, the microscopic stinging capsules, and prevents more venom from being released.”

Swart, who has spent 18 years working in emergency medicine, said travelers should rinse with seawater instead of fresh water if vinegar is not available. This is because fresh water can cause stinging cells to discharge even more. Seawater keeps the stinging capsules of the jellyfish inert.

“Those little stinging capsules act like little syringes and many don’t shoot right away, but they can if they’re activated,” he said. “Fresh water causes a change in pressure and causes them to discharge on contact, so people can end up with a second dose of poison even after leaving the ocean.”

Another important step is to remove the tentacles with tweezers or the edge of a card, Swart said. People should not touch them with their fingers because the capsules can still fire upon contact and you don’t want the poison to transfer to your hands.

In general, acting quickly is key as the pain can be sharp and overwhelming in the first few seconds.

“Always monitor how your body reacts and be sure to watch for the spread of swelling, breathing problems or sudden dizziness, as these are warning signs that require immediate medical attention,” Swart said.

Jellyfish exist in water all over the world and some are more dangerous than others. The Australian box jellyfish is considered the most venous marine animal in the world. according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They are typically found in warm coastal waters and the deadliest varieties are mainly found in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia.

Swimmers who are stung by deadly species of these creatures “can experience paralysis, cardiac arrest and even death, all within minutes of being stung,” NOAA said.

However, not all jellyfish are so scary. There are hundreds of documented species of jellyfish and they do not prey on humans. “Any contact with jellyfish is incidental,” according to NOAA. “Humans are not on their menu, but when we are in their environment we can get in the way of their tentacles.”