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Expert Advice: Treat Jellyfish Stings Safely, Not Urine

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Experts, including Philip Swart, medical director at Altezza Travel, say urinating on a jellyfish sting does not relieve pain.
Jellyfish stings can be serious, especially from dangerous species such as the Australian box jellyfish, and signs like swelling or dizziness require medical attention.
Vinegar is recommended to neutralize the stinging cells.
If vinegar is unavailable, rinsing with seawater is preferable to freshwater.
Tentacles should be removed with tweezers.

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Story summary

Experts, including Philip Swart, medical director at Altezza Travel, say urinating on a jellyfish sting does not relieve pain.
Jellyfish stings can be serious, especially from dangerous species such as the Australian box jellyfish, and signs like swelling or dizziness require medical attention.
Vinegar is recommended to neutralize the stinging cells.
If vinegar is unavailable, rinsing with seawater is preferable to freshwater.
Tentacles should be removed with tweezers.