Disarming the bluebottle: treatment of Physalia envenomation

Clinical tests of the efficacy of various treatments of bluebottle (Physalia physalis) stings were conducted on 20 volunteers. Vinegar and aluminium sulphate solution (Stingose) gave a significant reduction in pain 15 minutes after application when compared with the control sites which were treated with sea water. The application of methylated spirits caused a significant increase in pain compared to salt water.