Why is rinsing a jellyfish sting with fresh water (tap or bottled) strongly discouraged during first aid?
Answer
The osmotic difference between fresh water and the skin triggers remaining stingers to fire a fresh dose of venom.
A critical error in treating jellyfish stings is using fresh water, such as tap or bottled water, for rinsing the affected area. This prohibition stems from principles of osmosis. The significant difference in osmotic potential between fresh water and the fluid within the skin cells causes a rapid shift in pressure. This osmotic shock acts as a strong stimulus, causing any unfired nematocysts embedded in or stuck to the skin to deploy their microscopic barbs and inject an additional, potent dose of venom into the dermis, thereby significantly escalating the injury.
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