Jellyfish stings
There are estimated to be more than 2,000 species of jellyfish, and every one of them is more or less poisonous.
However, most are not deadly, or even toxic enough to cause illness to humans, but they will cause pain.
A few jellyfish, though, are very poisonous to humans and their stings can be fatal.
Some humans are allergic to jellyfish stings, too, which can be as dangerous as a fatal sting, even if they are stung by a jellyfish that does not extract poison that is typically toxic to humans.
How to treat a jellyfish sting
Different types of jellyfish stings require different treatments.
To treat a jellyfish sting it is best to call for a lifeguard to determine the type of jellyfish that stung you.
- Usually vinegar is recommended to be applied to a jellyfish sting.
- The stingers will need to be removed as well.
- And then a paste of baking soda and water is recommended to draw out the remainder of stingers and poison.
- Ice or heat can ease the pain, and antihistamines can prevent excessive swelling and rashes that can result from a jellyfish sting.