Cruz Roja warns: wash jellyfish stings with seawater, not fresh

Cruz Roja Española is urging beachgoers to treat jellyfish stings with seawater, not fresh water, after reporting a rise in stings last season. Miguel Ángel Sánchez Arrocha, the organization's national coordinator for foreseeable risk devices, warns that common home remedies can worsen symptoms. Source: Clarin

Key advice

• Wash with seawater: Fresh water activates remaining stinging cells, increasing pain, itching, and inflammation. Source: La Vanguardia
• Avoid rubbing or scratching: This also triggers stinging cells. Source: Clarin
• Do not use ammonia, alcohol, pressure bandages, or local heat. Source: La Vanguardia
• Remove tentacles with gloves or tweezers, as they remain toxic even after the jellyfish dies. Source: Clarin

Why more jellyfish?

Sánchez attributes the increase to warming seas and a decline in natural predators, along with pollution and excess nutrients, which disrupt the marine ecosystem. Source: La Vanguardia

What to do

If stung, seek professional help at lifeguard stations. Apply indirect cold for a few minutes. Do not remove jellyfish from the water or leave them on the sand, as their remains stay urticant. Source: Clarin

Reactions vary by individual sensitivity and the jellyfish's stinging capacity, so monitor symptoms closely. Source: La Vanguardia