Catfish Sting

A catfish sting requires medical treatment.

• Catfish are a distinctive type of fish that have whiskers protruding from the area around the mouth. They also have external spines near their fins.
• Catfish are often found in muddy rivers, lakes, and on beaches in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters.
• These fish are not aggressive. People stung by catfish are usually fishing or bathing when they make contact with a catfish, usually by stepping on it or handling the fish after it has been caught.
• Both salt- and fresh-water catfish are dangerous. Each has three spines and a stinging apparatus.

Severe pain and inflammation occur at the site of the sting.

• Immerse 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 catfish stings that become infected. Antibiotics should be taken if an infection develops for at least five days after all signs of infection have resolved. 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 sunscreen (at least SPF 15) is also recommended for use with such antibiotics.
• Pain associated with a catfish sting may be relieved with one to two acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours and/or one to two ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every six to eight hours.

Go to a doctor, your nearest Urgent Care, or Emergency Room if you have been stung by a catfish. The doctor will recommend over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to relieve pain and decrease redness and inflammation from the catfish sting.