Fish sting

Fish sting refers to an injury caused by the venomous spines or barbs of certain fish species. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and in some cases, more severe systemic symptoms. Fish stings are common among fishermen, divers, and beachgoers.

Causes

Fish stings are typically caused by contact with the venomous spines or barbs of fish such as stingrays, lionfish, scorpionfish, and catfish. These fish possess specialized venom glands connected to their spines, which can inject venom when the spine penetrates the skin.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a fish sting can vary depending on the species of fish and the amount of venom injected. Common symptoms include:

• Intense pain at the site of the sting
• Swelling and redness
• Bleeding
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

First Aid

Immediate first aid for a fish sting includes:

1. Removing any visible spines or barbs from the wound.
2. Immersing the affected area in hot water (as hot as the person can tolerate) for 30 to 90 minutes to help reduce pain and inactivate the venom.
3. Cleaning the wound thoroughly to prevent infection.
4. Seeking medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or if the sting is from a highly venomous fish.

Prevention

To prevent fish stings, individuals should:

• Wear protective footwear when walking in shallow waters.
• Avoid handling or provoking venomous fish.
• Be cautious when swimming or diving in areas known to have venomous fish.

Related Pages

• Stingray
• Lionfish
• Scorpionfish
• Catfish
• Venom
• Marine biology
• First aid

See Also

• Jellyfish sting
• Sea urchin sting
• Marine envenomation