Which species is specifically noted as an exception where using vinegar as an initial rinse may actually worsen the sting reaction?
Answer
Portuguese Man-of-War (*Physalia physalis*).
While vinegar is the generally recommended agent for neutralizing unfired nematocysts in many common jellyfish stings, there is a noted exception involving the Portuguese Man-of-War (*Physalia physalis*). Although technically not a true jellyfish, its sting requires differentiated treatment. The text explicitly cautions that rinsing a Portuguese Man-of-War sting with vinegar may actually worsen the reaction. In situations where the species is unknown or identified as the Man-of-War, using seawater as a general, safer fallback action is advised instead of vinegar.
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