In my recent copy of the DAN Oxygen Window, DAN issued an official statement against the use of Vinegar for all jellyfish stings except the Australian Box Jelly (Chironex fleckeri).
"Vinegar and other treatments are no longer recommended for use with common jellyfish stings. All other processes are the same though: You still need to remove the diver from the water and remove the tentacles from the skin without triggering the release of more nematocysts."
"Freshwater irrigation or an alcohol wash are still discouraged because they may cause the nematocysts to discharge, causing more pain to the injured diver."
"For all minor jellyfish stings, it's advisable to immerse the injured area in hot water (113degrees) or a hot shower for 30-90 min or until pain subsides. Do not rub the area, and get prompt medical attention."
In some of my other research I found that vinegar did indeed cause the nematocysts of our local Lion's Mane jelly to fire. So, guess I'll be removing the vinegar from my First Aid Kit! I never did get the impression that it helped at all, and did feel that it made things worse whenever I used it. Guess I wasn't the only one!!
- Janna
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