Catfish Sting Treatment

In this article

• Call 911 if: 
• 1. Get the Person Out of the Water
• 2. Do CPR if the Person Is Not Breathing
• 3. Clean Wound
• 4. Submerge Wound in Hot Water
• 5. Do Not Cover Wound
• 6. Treat Pain
• 7. See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
• 8. Follow Up

Call 911 if: 

• The person is having trouble breathing.

• 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.