What mechanical action must be avoided when removing clinging Man o' War stingers from the skin?
Answer
Rubbing the affected area with a towel or hand
Physical removal of visible stingers and tentacles requires extreme caution to prevent secondary venom discharge. Rubbing the affected skin mechanically, whether with a towel or a bare hand, is strictly forbidden because this physical agitation can cause any remaining venom capsules (nematocysts) to fire their venom payload. Safe removal relies on tools like tweezers or using thoroughly protected barriers such as gloved hands.

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