This little bugger is found all over the world but it is more common in the subtropical regions of the Pacific and Indian oceans. While technically not a jelly fish, this invertebrate is infamous for its painful jelly-like sting. So if you do encounter one of these on your trip to Australia, New Zealand or wherever else in the world you may be, here are some steps to cope with the sting.
Step One:
Man up…
the thing’s sting is pretty bad, but it is not going to kill you..
**well that is if you don’t have an allergic reaction to it, but chances are if it’s your first sting you will be all right
Step Two:
Rinse your hurting-red-bumpy skin off with cool, clean water
Step Three:
With the affected area still wet, Take an asprin and rub it all over the sweet spot to create a soupy white paste..
As strange as this sounds it is the best way to go to relieve the sting and itch..
I saw Nurses using this method back in New Zealand and it worked the best..
I have tried rubbing sand on the sting or using piping hot water, but nothing works better then the ol’ asprin // penadol trick..
And no.. peeing on your sting won’t do anything expect scare away your mates…
(images borrowed from http://www.uroboras.lt/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Creature-Portuguese-Man-o-War-01.JPG)
Remember to always err on the side of caution and call for help/seek medical attention if the patient’s conditions worsen
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