Catfish Sting Treatment

• Immersing the affected area in water as hot as is tolerable usually relieves pain from a sting.
  
  
• Spines should be removed with tweezers.
  
  
• The wound should be scrubbed and irrigated with fresh water.
  
  
• The wound should not be taped or sewn together.
  
  
• Oral antibiotics are usually recommended for stings that become infected. Antibiotics should be taken if infection develops for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared. Potential drug allergies should be checked prior to starting any antibiotic. A doctor can recommend the appropriate antibiotic. Some antibiotics can cause sensitivity to the sun, so a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) is also recommended for use with such antibiotics.
  
  
• Pain associated with a catfish sting may be relieved with 1-2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours and/or 1-2 ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 6-8 hours.