What treatment should be used for a jellyfish sting?

• A. Rinse with vinegar, remove tentacles
• B. Rinse with hot water, rub with sand
• C. Apply ice directly to sting without rinsing
• D. Cover with petroleum jelly

Answer: (A)

When handling a jellyfish sting, the first steps are to stop more venom from being released and to remove the source of stingers on the skin. Rinsing the area with vinegar helps inactivate any nematocysts that may still be firing, which reduces further venom delivery. Once the area is rinsed, carefully remove any visible tentacles with tweezers or a gloved finger or a stiff card so you don’t trigger more stings. Rubbing with sand, applying ice directly, or using hot water without rinsing won’t stop the venom and can make the situation worse or cause tissue damage. Petroleum jelly doesn’t address the venom and isn’t helpful in this situation.