Jellyfish Sting Treatment

Jellyfish cause stinging by leaving nematocysts behind when they are touched. Nematocysts are tiny coiled stingers that, once triggered, inject venom into the patient. The amount and type of venom depend on the type of jellyfish, the number of nematocysts, area of bare skin, and the thickness of the skin. There is often a tentacle or two left behind after a sting as well, covered with nematocysts.

The trick to treating the pain of a jellyfish sting is to remove the nematocysts without triggering them to inject venom. Pressure triggers them, as well as freshwater and some chemicals.