How to Remove Tentacles From a Jellyfish Sting
Jellyfish have venomous tentacles known as cnidoblasts. Each cnidoblast contains a tiny capsule known as a nematocyst. One tentacle on a jellyfish can have up to thousands of nematocysts, indicates the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. When a jellyfish entangles prey, the nematocyst discharges a stinging thread, thereby releasing toxins. Although jelly fish rarely attack humans, you can incur an accidental sting when you swim within close proximity of one. You should remove any tentacles immediately to help prevent further envenomation.
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Seawater
- Bucket
- Towel
- Vinegar
- Shaving cream or baking soda
- Credit card
Instructions
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Get out of the water to prevent entanglement with the jelly. Remove yourself from the water source and other jellies. Find a safe area on the beach.
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Clear off as many tentacles as possible. Put on a pair of gloves to prevent stinging on your hands. Cleanse the affected site with seawater, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Use a beach bucket to transfer water from the ocean to your wound.
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Vinegar can reduce the stinging. Soak a towel with vinegar and apply it to the wound. Leave the towel on your wound for 30 minutes.
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Apply shaving cream gently to the tentacles. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and seawater, notes the Mayo Clinic. Use a credit card to carefully remove the tentacles, recommends the U.S. National Library of Medicine. However, wait for the shaving cream or mixture to dry before removing the tentacles.
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Tips & Warnings
Carry vinegar with you when you intend to swim in the ocean.
Pay attention to jellyfish advisories when swimming in the ocean.
Seek medical assistance if you develop difficulty breathing or chest pain or if you sustained an injury to your mouth or mucous membranes.
Never use freshwater to help remove jellyfish tentacles. It causes further stinging.
Never rub vinegar into your wound.
Avoid getting sand on your wound.
Never urinate on your wound to remove tentacles. Your urine can activate nematocysts, resulting in further stinging, asserts the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Never investigate dead jellyfish washed ashore. Even dead jellyfish can sting.
References
- Photo Credit Karl Weatherly/Photodisc/Getty Images Ryan McVay/Stockbyte/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
