Is it true that if you pee on a jellyfish sting it will stop the pain?

Question

I have Heard that if you pee on a jelly fish sting it will stop pain, is it true?

Answer 1

NOT true.

But apparently vinegar helps (if it's a box jelly).

Check out this link.
http://www.susanscott.net/OceanWatch1999/mar22-99.html

Answer 2

No. And even the maximum dose of morphine legally allowed barely take the edge off the pain of a sting. They are working on new pain-killers such as epibatidine which is 200 times more powerful than morphine but with no addictive qualities, but not yet. Anesthesia as used in surgery could be used but it would be too expensive and wear off too soon. Those would cost upwards of 10,000 or 20,000 a day and not many people have that type of money and it's doubtful insurance would pay it.

Urine is 96% water and the rest of the 4% is a chemical called urea and just some salts and things. There may be some ammonia in the urea, you discharge nitrogen and sodium chloride. But nothing like vinegar or anything like that.

Answer 3

DO NOT USE URINE to stop jellyfish sting pain.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jellyfish#Treatment_of_stings (see last sentence):

There are three goals of first aid for uncomplicated jellyfish stings: prevent injury to rescuers, inactivate the nematocysts, and remove any tentacles stuck on the patient. To prevent injury to rescuers, barrier clothing should be worn. This protection may include anything from panty hose to wet suits to full-body sting-proof suits. Inactivating the nematocysts, or stinging cells, prevents further injection of venom into the patient. Five percent acetic acid solution (white vinegar) is the preferred method, although meat tenderizer, or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will neutralize any nematocysts that have not yet discharged into the skin. Meat tenderizer should not be left on the skin for more than 15 minutes, and none of these substances should be used in the eyes. In the case of stings on or around the eyes, the solution may be placed on a towel and dabbed around the eyes, but not in them. Salt water may also be used in case any of these compounds are not readily available, but fresh water should never be used. Rinsing the sting site with fresh water, rubbing the wound, or using alcohol, spirits, ammonia, or urine will encourage the release of venom.

Answer 4

I heard about this while I was growing up in Hawaii -- everyone put urine on their jellyfish stings. I've got to admit I did it once when a Portugese Man of War got me on the leg. It seemed to help. Maybe urine neutralizes the toxin or washes it off. ...Now, however, modern science appears to have disproved the efficacy of the urine treatment, ascribing it to the "placebo effect" (power of suggestion.) I have heard the urine is good for bee & wasp stings too. For jellyfish stings, I've heard that rubbing a raw cut onion on the sting gets rid of it.

Answer 5

Yes, apparently pee is an antiseptic and should stop the pain. I was stung by a jellyfish 4 years ago, but still feel tingling in my hand were I got stung. I didn't pee on my hand though, maybe I should have done.

Answer 6

A TRIP TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM!!
Sodium Bicarbonate or activated charcoal that a EMS/ambluance should have in stock.

Answer 7

I bet that would be one pissed off jelly fish

Answer 8

Yes, anything acidic will work. Vinegar, Lime etc

Answer 9

no it is not true. I saw on the discovery channel where they did an experiment about it.

Answer 10

NO.....that is false. You have to apply baking soda and a cold pack.