Public Inquiries will be a new mini-series covering science related topics and questions from fellow Steemians. Got a suggestion for a Super Cool Science topic, or do you have a science related question you would like me to answer? Let me know in the comments!
10% of the liquid reward for these posts will be shared with the Steemian who suggested the topic.
@Reko wants to know if urinating on a bee or jellyfish sting is the best method of treatment.
Many of us have heard the rumor that if you get stung by a jellyfish, you should pee on it to numb the pain, but is it really true? What would peeing on a jellyfish sting actually do, and does it treat the symptoms, as pop culture would you us believe? The short answer is no. In fact, you probably shouldn't pee on it... Here's why:
In order to understand how best to treat the sting, we'll need to know how it happens, and what causes the pain.
Jellyfish tentacles are covered in specialized cells called cnidocytes. When something brushes against these cells, it fires a barbed structure called a nematocyst.
Millions of these nematocysts are fired into whatever touched the jellyfish, releasing an alkaline venom into the subject. Sometimes, that subject is a person, and when that happens, it can cause a terrible burning sensation, itching, swelling, or worse. The venom of some jellyfish, like the Malo kingi box jellyfish, are so powerful, that if it gets into the bloodstream, it can stop your heart! Many of these nematocysts are left behind in and on the skin, some of which having not fired yet, so the initial sting is not all you have to worry about.
To treat a jellyfish sting, you'll need to try and neutralize the toxin, and prevent any leftover nematocysts from releasing more toxin.
Avoid putting any sort of pressure on, or changing the tonicity of the affected area, as this can cause any nematocysts to fire their barbs, releasing a second wave of toxin into your system. The best first move you could make is to rinse the affected area in the same body of water you got stung in. This can help wash away some of the more loose nematocysts, while ensuring the tonicity of the area remains stable.
In order to neutralize the toxin, you'll need a highly acidic solution, like vinegar, though this remedy will only work with certain types of jellyfish toxins.
Despite what you may have seen on Friends, peeing on a jellyfish sting is probably not the best idea... First of all, urine is likely no where near acidic enough to neutralize the toxin, and will likely only serve to upset the tonicity of the nematocysts, which is one of those things you're trying to avoid. Often, peeing on the sting can exacerbate the symptoms, and could help the toxin spread into the bloodstream.
If you get stung by a jellyfish in the ocean, never rinse the area with freshwater! This will almost certainly lead to the nematocysts firing their barbs from under the skin, increasing the chances that the toxin will spread into your blood. You should also avoid using an icepack to treat the swelling and pain, as this can preserve the nematocysts and toxin, only for it to be released later.
Here's what you should do...
If the sting covers a large portion of a limb, or multiple locations across the body, your best bet is to seek immediate medical attention. For less severe stings, there are numerous methods of treating the symptoms:
Apply heat.
Running hot water over the affected area, or gently applying a heat source can inactivate the toxin. A temperature of around 100oF should suffice, though it's probably best to get the water as hot as you can tolerate.Try to remove any loose nematocysts. Carefully
As stated above, rinse the sting with the same water you were stung in to start. It is often advised to very gently scrape the surface of the sting with something like a credit card, to try and remove as many loose nematocysts as possible. This is sometimes warned against, because the pressure can trigger unfired nematocysts.Vinegar doesn't always work, but it can.
The acidity of acid can neutralize the Ph balance of the toxin, though this is only applicable with certain types of jellyfish toxin.
Unfortunately, if the sting isn't too severe, you may just have to wait for the toxin to run its course. Any remaining nematocysts that remain within the skin will dissolve over time, and come right out on their own.
So peeing on a jellyfish sting probably isn't what you want to do, unless you were just looking for an excuse to pee on yourself or a friend...
Pop culture can be deceptive or misleading, but armed with science, you can stay safe, and keep pee where it belongs. Thank you for reading, and thank you 
References:
- https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/2017/may/should-you-pee-on-a-jellyfish-sting-video.html
- http://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/14/7/127/htm
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pee-jellyfish-sting/
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-urinating/
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/whats-behind-that-jellyfish-sting-2844876/
