First Aid Information: Bluebottle or Portugese man-o'-war (Physalia sp.) Sting

First aid consists of removal of the tentacles, preferably with forceps. Immersion of the area in hot (not scalding) water may alleviate pain.

Vinegar is not recommended.

Analgesia may be required, although most stings respond, if hot (but not scalding) water is not available, to ice packs or topical anaesthetic agents.