CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Summer is in full swing, and many people will be headed to Carolina beaches to cool off.
If you do go to the beach, though, keep in mind there are some critters that can leave a mark -- like jellyfish. There is an old wives' tale if you get stung, someone should pee on the wound to help take the pain away.
But does that really work?
THE QUESTION
If you get stung by a jellyfish, should someone pee on the sting to cure the pain?
THE ANSWER
No, peeing on a jellyfish sting does not relieve the pain, and doctors warn against it.
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
According to the Mayo Clinic, jellyfish use tentacles and can inject you with venom from thousands of microscopic barbed stingers. The venom can create a burning, stinging pain.
But will someone's urine take away the pain?
"The thought is correct because it would lower the acidity, but white vinegar is a better option to take that acidity and that will decrease the burning," Mungin said.
In fact, following that old wives' tale could backfire.
"Peeing on a jellyfish sting can actually make the problem worse," Kholi said.
Kohli said while urine does contain ammonia, it's too dilute to really create relief.
"With actually peeing on a jellyfish sting, you can cause more of the release of venom from the stingers depending on how dilute or how concentrated the urine is, by changing the electrolyte of the environment," Kholi said.
Urine also can have bacteria, so both Kholi and Mungin said it's best to use vinegar to help the pain, and make sure the tentacles are removed.
"Use a thin piece of plastic like a credit card to get the tentacles off of the skin," Mungin said.
It's also good to use fresh water as well to help release the tentacles from your skin.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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