Catfish stings are likely to occur if the fish is being touched or accidentally kicked. There are certain species of catfish that generate venom in the glands found at the bottom of the dorsal spine but most do not.
This venom can trigger localized pain, swelling and redness. An issue of concern is the wound caused by the spine and the risk for infection. Take note that catfish have venom glands positioned along the stout spine of the dorsal and pectoral fin. Catfish stings can cause intense pain and inflammation at the sting site.
The pain from catfish stings is considered instantaneous. In most cases, it can last for several hours in the less toxic species and up to 48 hours for the toxic ones. Aside from pain, the area surrounding the sting site appears pale and then turn bluish which is followed by swelling and redness of the adjacent tissues. The severe reactions include swelling of the entire limb along with the accompanying swollen lymph nodes, numbness and the risk for localized gangrene.
Treatment for catfish stings
- After the injury, you have to immediately submerge the affected area in water as hot as the individual can tolerate until the pain from the catfish stings are relieved.
- Take out the spines using tweezers
- Scrub the sting site and irrigate using fresh water.
- Do not place tape or sew the wound together.
- The wound should be carefully checked for any leftover spine segments and integumentary sheath material. Make sure that the wound must be assessed radiographically for any foreign matter. In case foreign matter is discovered, the would require irrigation again.
- In case the repeated irrigation is not effective, the wound might require surgical exploration and cleaning. The sting site might be infiltrated using procaine or a different anesthetic. If local infiltration is not successful in alleviating the pain, intravenous or intramuscular meperidine hydrochloride might be beneficial.
- Take note that tetanus prophylaxis might be indicated for catfish stings if there is an issue with the tetanus status of the individual.
- You can also apply an antibiotic ointment on the wound.
- Oral antibiotics are usually advised for catfish stings that become infected. In case infection develops, antibiotics should be continued.
- The pain from the sting can be relieved by pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
When dealing with catfish stings, prompt action must be taken due to the risk of infection as well as preventing any further issues.