Catfish Sting (cont.)

Medical Author:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Ivette Motola, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

James Kimo Takayesu, MD

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.