Re: Use vinegar to treat jellyfish stings

[Guest guest]

I've seen documented evidence that this simple intervention can even save a person's life if done in time. Some jellies are plenty dangerous. We must be the change we wish to see in the world. Mohandas K. GandhiFrom: rumjal <rumjal@...>Flu Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 12:37 AMSubject: [Flu] Use vinegar to treat jellyfish stings

Don't forget vinegar to guard against jellyfish

Published Date: 23 July 2011 By

IT has long been a common urban - or rather beachside - myth of how best to treat a jellyfish sting.

With unprecedented numbers of the creatures in bloom in ish seas, holidaymakers have been warned fresh urine is not the answer.

Contrary to popular belief - and a very funny scene in the US comedy Friends - urinating on a person who has been stung by a jellyfish will not bring about any relief.

Sufferers are advised to splash the sting with sea water - or ideally vinegar - in order to deactivate the effects of the poison.

British Red Cross head of first aid Joe Mulligan said: "A sting from a jellyfish can be extremely painful, but trying to treat it with urine isn't going to make your day any better. Urine just doesn't have the right chemical make up to solve the problem. If people have been stung, they need to get out of the water to avoid getting stung again. Once out, slowly pouring seawater over the sting will help ease the pain.

"Doing the same thing with vinegar can be even more effective as the acid helps neutralise the jellyfish sting. But unless you're near a chip shop, seawater will probably be easier to find."...

MSC ish projects officer Anne Saunders said: "There are always more jellyfish in summer because that is when the seas are warm and when they are blooming - or turning into adults.

"But there is also evidence that there is a worldwide increase in jellyfish numbers. Because of overfishing and fewer predators they are managing to breed in larger numbers."

Species usually seen in British waters are the barrel, moon, compass, blue and lion's mane jellyfish.

Those brave enough to get close to the jellyfish are being urged to "look but not touch". Although most of the species have only a mild sting, some, like the lion's mane, have a strong - but non-fatal - sting.

Jellyfish are the staple diet of critically-endangered leatherback turtles. The decline of the turtle population is believed to be a major factor in the increasing numbers of jellyfish.

What to do if jellyfish strike

DON'T be tempted to rinse with fresh water or rub sand into a jellyfish sting – this may set off more of the stinging cells. Instead, quickly wash with sea water. If there are any stray tentacles, try to flick them off.

If possible pour vinegar over the wound in order to change the acidity and deactivate the poison. Applying heat will also help – a bag of chips perhaps?

If the person shows signs of nausea or dizziness, it could be a severe allergic reaction – seek medical help.

http://www.scotsman.com/news/Don39t-forget-vinegar-to-guard.6806129.jp

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I will archive this article in our files.

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> I've seen documented evidence that this simple intervention can even save a

person's life if done in time. Some jellies are plenty dangerous.

>

>

> We must be the change we wish to see in the world.

> Mohandas K. Gandhi