How to Treat Catfish Stings

The name "catfish" encompasses a wide variety of bottom feeding saltwater and freshwater fish ranging in size from 650 pounds to parasites. The fish are so named because of the whisker-like protrusions that resemble those found on house cats. Catfish are commonly caught and used as a food item. Although they rarely present a risk to humans, if they are not handled properly they could puncture skin with as many as three barbed, venom-filled spines. Catfish stings should be treated immediately as they are painful and prone to infection. Symptoms of catfish stings are redness, burning and localized pain.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Sterile saline solution
• Water
• Soap

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove any embedded spines with tweezers. Spines should be removed to stop the release of toxins and prevent infection.

• 2

  Immerse the affected area in hot water for 30 minutes or as long as can be tolerated. Many toxins inflicted by marine species are a complex mix of molecular weights. Many of these toxins become denatured when exposed to temperatures of 105 degrees F or higher. As the toxins are denatured, the pain subsides.Treatment in many emergency departments includes pain management and exposure of the skin to saline solution heated to 110 degrees F. Use caution when exposing your skin to high temperatures to avoid burns.

• 3

  Wash the injured area thoroughly with soap and water. Toxins leach out of the wound during immersion and should immediately be washed away to prevent further pain.

• 4

  Flush the wounded area with sterile saline solution, removing all dirt and debris from the interior of the wound. Secondary infection occurring from bacteria left behind in the wound significantly prolongs the healing process.

• 5

  Seek medical attention immediately if the area becomes infected or if you experience any adverse reaction to the venom such as intense pain, muscle cramps, difficulty breathing or fatigue.