How to treat a bluebottle sting

There are a few tips and treatments available if you happen to swim into a bluebottle this summer holiday.

Linda Buys, a qualified nurse, includes advice on what to do in her book The Illustrated South African First Aid Manual.

· Remove any remaining nematocysts (tentacles) by scraping them off with the edge of a plastic card (such as a credit card), blunt knife, etc. 

· Pour copious amounts of sea water (not fresh water!) over the area.  

· Do not rinse with fresh water, as this will activate the venom.  

· Do not rub the area and don’t rub it with sand – this will spread the venom.

· Later, a warm bath will provide pain relief.