Catfish Sting

Call 911 if: 

• The person is having trouble breathing.

1. Get the Person Out of the Water

2. Do CPR if the Person Is Not Breathing

• For an adult, start adult CPR.
• For a child, start CPR for children.

3. Clean Wound

• Use tweezers to remove all catfish spines.
• Scrub wound with soap and water.
• Rinse extensively with fresh or salt water.

4. Submerge Wound in Hot Water

• Soak for at least 30 minutes in water as hot as the person can tolerate.

5. Do Not Cover Wound

6. Treat Pain

• Give over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

7. See a Doctor As Soon As Possible

8. Follow Up

• The doctor will clean and treat the wound and may give a tetanus shot, if needed.
• The person may receive pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

SOURCES:

Fermie, P. The Illustrated Practical Book of First Aid & Family Health, Lorenz Books, 2005.

Shepherd, S. Journal of Wilderness Medicine, 1994.

Health and Safety Institute GotoAID: “Catfish Sting.”

Utox Update, University of Utah College of Pharmacy: “Marine Envenomations.”