What is the specific function of rinsing fire coral stings with acetic acid solution?

Answer

To stabilize the nematocysts, preventing further venom injection.

The primary and crucial function of rinsing the affected area with acetic acid solution (white vinegar) following a suspected fire coral sting is stabilizing the stinging cells, known as nematocysts. This stabilization process halts the mechanism by which the cells fire their venom into the victim's tissue. This step is recommended to occur before or alongside standard wound cleaning procedures. However, it is critically important to note that vinegar's mechanism is directed only at the unfired cells still present on the skin's surface; it offers no therapeutic effect against venom that has already been injected, which often requires subsequent treatment like hot water immersion to alleviate acute symptoms.

What is the specific function of rinsing fire coral stings with acetic acid solution?

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