How To Treat FL Jellyfish Stings: 'Don't Let Your Friends Pee On You'

FLORIDA — As summer heats up, many Floridians pack up their families and head to the Eastern Shore or another vacation destination to enjoy a day at the beach.

But amid the sun, sand, and waves, even the most perfect beach day comes with some risks. What happens if you're wading or swimming in the water and suddenly feel a burning, prickling or stinging pain on your arm or leg?

As many as 150 million jellyfish stings occur worldwide each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While jellyfish don’t intentionally sting humans, if you brush or accidentally step on one, it will sting to protect itself.

Most jellyfish stings are harmless; however, some stings can cause serious harm.

Here's what you should know about jellyfish in Florida and what you should — and should not do —if you're stung.

Are There Jellyfish In Florida?

Yes. Several species - including the upside down jellyfish, the moon jellyfish, the sea nettle and the Portuguese man-o-war - can be found in the Sunshine State, according to the Florida Department of Public Health.

Health officials advise beachgoers do not touch jellyfish that have washed ashore. In addition to live ones, they said dead jellyfish can also sting.

If anyone comes into contact with their jellyfish tentacles, health officials said they can receive red, raised streaky welts that last for about 1-2 weeks. Symptoms can include severe pain, tingling, itching, nausea and headaches.

The Key West Aquarium has gathered a question-and-answer list with facts regarding all things jellyfish.

According to the aquarium, these are the most common jellyfish in the Keys:

• Cassiopea, or upside-down jellyfish: shallow seagrass and mangrove habitats around the Florida Keys
• Moon jellyfish: common in ocean waters between 43˚and 88˚F.
• Cannonball, or cabbage head, jellyfish: most common jellyfish species on the southeastern coast of the United States
• Pink meanie: discovered in the Gulf of Mexico in 2000
• Portuguese man-o-war: not really a jellyfish but a close relative in the class Hydrozoa
• Comb jellies: not true jellyfish, but they are from an entirely different phylum, Ctenophora

What To Do — And Not Do — After A Jellyfish Sting

Let's start with what not to do. First and foremost, urine is not the answer.

In a recent interview with WTOP, Amanda Joy, certified physician assistant and associate medical director at MedStar Health Urgent Care, said the peeing theory is a myth.

"Do not let your friends urinate on you. … We don’t need to be doing that," she told WTOP.

Other ineffective home remedies, according to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, including treating the sting with alcohol, baking soda, a meat tenderizer or shaving cream.

What you should do, the agency suggests, is the following:

1. Inactivate the tentacle discharge with a topical application of full-strength vinegar. Do not use water.
2. Remove tentacles by plucking them with tweezers. Do not scrape or rub, which can cause additional release of venom.
3. Immerse the affected area in hot water up to 113 degrees for 30-90 minutes.
4. Pat the skin dry
5. Apply a 4% lidocaine spray to the skin.

While allergic reactions are rare, they can occur. An allergic reaction can cause swelling throughout the body and potentially restrict the airway. If this happens, call 911 and use injectable epinephrine or an oral antihistamine.