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How to Treat Jellyfish Stings

By Jay DiMartino, About.com

It ain't Smuckers

Jellyfish are coelenterates, which is a crazy word that describes these free-floating, pain-inducing invertebrates. Surfers are perfect candidates for the stinging cells of jellyfish and Portuguese man-o-war since they paddle around breaking waves where jelly fish tentacles can break off and man-o-war are pushed in with the tide and wind.

Symptoms of a jellyfish sting include burning pain, swelling, and redness.

Protection and treatment of Jellyfish Stings

You can wear a wetsuit for protection, but jellyfish can actually sting through the thick neoprene, and jellyfish pieces can get caught between your wetsuit and your body, causing and even more painful situation.

Treatment of jellyfish stings vary depending on who you talk to, but doctors consistently maintain that flushing the sting with fresh water is essential.

However, other treatments such as ammonia, ice, urine (that's right, urine), antihistamines, and vinegar have proven effective.

If you have any trouble breathing, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

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