How to Treat a Catfish Sting

Catfish are found in both fresh and salt water. They are a non-aggressive fish with whiskers protruding from their mouth area. They also have three spines that can stick into skin and a stinger as well. Most stings are able to be treated without a doctor's care, but infection can occur.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Tweezers
• Wash cloth
• Pain medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Put the affected area in the hottest water you can tolerate to relieve the pain of the sting. Use a tweezers to remove any spines that have been embedded into the skin.

• 2

  Wash the area by scrubbing the skin hard with a washcloth, and rinse with lots of water.

• 3

  Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain after the sting.

• 4

  See a doctor when the sting may be infected. Signs of infection can include red marks coming from the area, soreness in the joint or above the sting and increased pain. Take oral antibiotics to treat the infection.

• 5

  To prevent a sting, hold a catfish with the palm of your hand. Keep your hands on the ventral side of the fish with your fingers on either side of the pectoral spines. This also keeps them away from the dorsal spines.