Primary Article

First Aid for Jellyfish Envenomation

Authors: JOSEPH W. BURNETT MD, HELENE RUBINSTEIN BS, GARY J. CALTON PhD, Baltimore

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To determine a reliable first aid topical remedy for jellyfish stings, we investigated several commonly available preparations to determine their ability to prevent nematocyst rupture from sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) and Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) tentacles. The application of a baking soda slurry was a good inhibitor of nematocyst discharge for the nettle and vinegar was a good inhibitor for the man-of-war.

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References