Ailment: Sting - jellyfish

Remedy: Heat

Comment posted by John Marsdon of Perth, WA, Australia on 27 December 2010 at 19:50       425

NO
I got a nasty jellyfish sting near my shoulder and under my arm during my morning swim nine days ago. I carried on swimming, but when I got out it was burning and a little red. Ten minutes after the sting I was back home and under the shower. I turned hot water on it for a few minutes, and then after the shower dried and put on a little face cream (!!!??) Well - it was sore all day. Most stings settle down within minutes, or hours for the worst ones. Nine days later there are still clear red wheals and a little itching as they heal. My conclusion is that I took too long to get the hot water on it, or more likely that hot water is not a suitable cure for jellyfish stings. Interestingly, the lifeguards here try to give you an icepack as the first treatment for a sting.

Remedy (new) posted by David Niven Miller of Perth, WA, Australia on 21 April 2010 at 14:52       73

YES
There is research showing that the venom in a jellyfish sting is made from enzymes. Enzymes are destroyed by heat. Applying heat to a sting will break down the enzymes and provide fast relief or a complete cure. Apply a hot compress as soon as possible after the sting. If there is inflammation, swelling or pain after the heat treatment, it may be necessary to use an ice pack to reduce these symptoms.