A solution of meat tenderizer may be effective treatment for a number of stings including those of jellyfish. Historically papaya leaves have been used by Polynesians to treat jellyfish stings.
Mechanism: Meat tenderizer contains papain which is a protease. In theory it can digest the toxin and nematocysts.
Protocol (after Lanier):
(1) Meat tenderizer is mixed to water to make a paste.
(2) The skin is prepared by scraping off any unexploded pneumatocysts.
(3) The paste is then spread over the area.
Repeated treatment with meat tenderizer can result in contact dermatitis.
Meat tenderizer may be helpful in bee stings if no other therapy is available. Cardoni et al found 0.5% hydrocortisone cream more effective.
Meat tenderizer has not been found to be useful for fire ant and many other stings.
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