What is the recommended heat-based treatment for jellyfish stings when possible?

• A. Immerse water as hot as the person can tolerate for at least 20 minutes
• B. Apply cold pack for 20 minutes
• C. Rinse with plain water
• D. Use warm compress only for 5 minutes

Answer: (A)

Heat can inactivate jellyfish venom because many venom components are heat-labile proteins. Immersing the affected area in water as hot as the person can tolerate for about 20 minutes provides the most effective pain relief by denaturing the toxins. Do not exceed a tolerable heat to avoid burns, aiming around a hot but safe temperature. Cold packs don’t neutralize the venom and can actually worsen discomfort or tissue injury; rinsing with plain water doesn’t address venom activity, and a short warm compress isn’t enough time to inactivate the venom. Therefore, hot-water immersion for at least 20 minutes is the best option when feasible.