Vinegar for Jellyfish Stings: What Works & What Doesn't

Jellyfish discharge nematocysts from their tentacles. These barbed stingers cause envenomation of toxins from the jellyfish, resulting in symptoms that range from minor to excruciating. Vinegar can help prevent the discharging of nematocysts in some species of jellyfish. Vinegar won't work on stings from Chesapeake Bay sea nettles, box jellyfish, bluebottle jellyfish, irukandji or other nontropical species. If you sustain a large number of stings that result in severe reactions such as difficulty in breathing and tremors, seek immediate medical attention.

Things You'll Need

• Sea water
• Vinegar
• Towel
• Bottled water
• Baking soda

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Instructions

• 1

  Get away from the jellyfish.

  Take the victim out of the water to prevent drowning. Rinse tentacles off by pouring seawater onto the affected site.

• 2

  Pour the vinegar over the wound for 30 seconds, suggests the Marine-Medic. Alternatively, soak a towel in vinegar and place it on the wound for 30 minutes, recommends the National Wildlife Federation.

• 3

  Keep bottled water handy.

  Gargle vinegar diluted with bottled water if you sustained a sting to your mouth. Use 1/4 cup of vinegar mixed with 3/4 cup of water. Immediately seek medical attention, as swelling will occur, possibly leading to closed airways.

• 4

  Rinse the wound with seawater after applying the vinegar. Mix a paste of baking soda and seawater, and apply the paste to the wound. This will alleviate pain until you seek medical assistance.