Jellyfish sting

Something of interest considering the fact that MM and her friend were stung by jellyfish in Penang in early December.
(Update 28 Jan 10: The friend is still suffering from the effects of the sting more than 1 month later in the form of rashes and boils appearing. Needed 2 more jabs to counter the toxin. The 1st week after the sting she had vomiting and diarrhoea.  Some say the body takes a year to be fully recovered.)


The deadly venomous jellyfish that stung the sailor is tiny, the size of a fingernail only. Freaky bad luck and he was not even in the sea, he was 80 feet above the sea on a big ship..
Read: Sailor fishing on ship stung by jellyfish in Sydney

Some info about jellyfish.
Scyphozoan jellyfish stings are not generally deadly, though some species of the completely separate class Cubozoa (box jellyfish), such as the famous and especially toxic Irukandji, can be.


Jellyfish sting using microscopic cells called nematocysts, which are capsules full of poison expelled through a microscopic lance. Contact with a jellyfish tentacle can trigger millions of nematocysts to pierce the skin and inject venom.[22]

Jellyfish sting prey and threatening humans using their nematocysts, but only some jellyfish species harm humans. Even beached and dying jellyfish can still sting when touched. Sting effects range from no effect to extreme pain to death.

Stings may cause anaphylaxis, which may result in death. Hence, victims should immediately get out of the water. Medical care may include administration of an antivenom.

Beyond initial first aid, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can control skin irritation (pruritus).[28] To remove the venom in the skin, apply a paste of baking soda and water and a cloth covering on the sting. If possible, reapply paste every 15–20 minutes. Ice can stop the spread of venom until either of these is available.


As seen in the Friends episode 'The One With The Jellyfish', Chandler famously urinates on Monica's leg to relieve the effects of a jellyfish sting. Although fictional and the theory behind this is partly true, this is an urban myth. Urine, like the hot shower example above, relieves the pain of a jellyfish sting whilst introducing a sterilising property also.[citation needed] This combination can relieve pain on minor jellyfish stings, whereas a sting from a box jellyfish will not be cureable through this method.