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

GEORGIA — As summer heats up, many Georgians 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 Georgia and what you should — and should not do —if you're stung.

Are There Jellyfish In Georgia?

Along the coast, yes, jellyfish are present. Multiple species of jellyfish can be found at Tybee Island, according to the city website.

Jellyfish may be one of the plethora of sea creatures that wash ashore. One of the jellyfish species that may be seen at Tybee is the cannonball, which is considered the most prominent in the southeast region.

Cannonball jellyfish can be located in estuaries and saline water near the shore, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Their benefits include eating other forms of sea life and being of aid to shrimp trawlers during shrimping season.

The cannonball jellyfish can be found year-round on St. Simons Island, according to Lighthouse Vacations, a St. Simons-based vacation rental home management company.

The following jellyfish can be found at Tybee and St. Simon islands:

• Cannonball Jellyfish
• Lion’s Mane Jelly
• Mushroom Jelly
• Cannonball Jelly
• Moon Jelly
• Sea Wasp Jellyfish

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.