Does Urinating on a Jellyfish Sting Really Work?

By now everybody knows about the myth that when you or a friend is stung by a jellyfish that it can be remedied by having someone urinate on the location of the sting. This old remedy has even been seen many times on television ranging from shows like "Friends" to "Lost". Is it true that urinating on a jellyfish sting will help relieve the pain?

It's never fun to be the bearer of bad news but anyone that allows a friend or family member to urinate on them to relieve a jellyfish sting is, at best, just going to have urine on their leg. At worst, the urine could actually make the jellyfish sting feel even more painful. How did this wives tale even get started? Perhaps it was a cruel practical joke.

The reason this solution arose is probably due to the fact that saltwater can be used to ease the pain of a jellyfish sting. Saltwater will decrease the amount of poison that is released while rubbing or scratching the area will increase the poison released. Urine does contain salt but the concentration of salt can vary depending on a number of factors such as the amount of food that has been eaten of how dehydrated the person is. If the concentration of salt in the urine is low then urinating on the jellyfish sting will lower the saline levels and will actually cause more poison to be released.

So what is the solution to curing a jellyfish sting? Obviously a doctor should be consulted first and foremost but if there is not any medical aid available then there are a few things to know. The most important thing is to make sure the victim is not having an allergic reaction to the jellyfish sting. When the victim is allergic to a jellyfish sting that is when the sting could be life threatening. Signs that someone is allergic to a jellyfish sting include breaking out into hives, a shortness of breath, tightening of the throat, change in voice, weakness or dizziness.

The first thing a jellyfish victim should do is rinse off the tentacles. Saltwater from the ocean will do nicely in rinsing off the tentacles. If the tentacles do not rinse off then peel them off. Be sure to wear a glove to peel the jellyfish tentacles if possible and be sure that the tentacles do not get on yourself or on any clothing.

Once any remaining tentacles have been removed try to sooth the sting itself. This can be done by rinsing the sting with vinegar. If vinegar is not available then the victim can try rinsing the sting in saltwater from the ocean. Just be sure to not rinse with fresh water and do not apply ice or hot water. All of these things could result in more toxin being released. After rinsing the area that has the sting the victim should then cover the area in shaving cream or a paste made out of baking soda. Carefully shave the area and it should remove the nematocysts that release the toxin.

Once the sting has been treated it is likely that the victim will still feel a little pain. Tylenol, Motrin or Aleve can be used for pain. If the pain is too strong for those pills or if the pain does not get better then be sure to see a doctor.

Sources:

Jellyfish Stings at EMedicine Health