Scat Fin Pierced My Finger

[deogan]

while cleaning my tank, my index finger got pierced by the dorsal fin of scat. It started bleeding. Now I have unbearable pain. Do I need to take some medicine? I have applied antiseptic to the wound

 

[chesterscot]

i cant help m8 sorry
but i hope it aint life threatening by the fast responses youve had lol
hope your not in to much pain
regards scot

 

[Colin_T]

stick your hand in hot water now

 

[WILDER]

Ice cubes are good for numbing pain.
Colin why does he have to stick his hand in hot water.

 

[Colin_T]

The venom from scats and lionfish is protein based and breaks down with heat. Immersing the stung area in hot water (be careful not to burn yourself) will bring quick relief. Leave the area in hot water for at least 30 minutes. Change the water with more hot water when it cools down. Get someone else to check the water isn't too hot.

The pain should go eventually and then you should monitor the site for infection. Sometimes a bit of fin ray will break off in the wound and can become sceptic. If this happens go to your doctor and have them clean the site.
*NB* the doctor often hurts more than the sting.

Don't worry too much you won't die and only need to seek medical help if you have been stung in the neck, face or chest area. Then the associated inflammation can cause breathing difficulties or heart failure.

edited to add Don't use ice, it will make it worse

 

[WILDER]

The venom from scats and lionfish is protein based and breaks down with heat. Immersing the stung area in hot water (be careful not to burn yourself) will bring quick relief. Leave the area in hot water for at least 30 minutes. Change the water with more hot water when it cools down. Get someone else to check the water isn't too hot.

The pain should go eventually and then you should monitor the site for infection. Sometimes a bit of fin ray will break off in the wound and can become sceptic. If this happens go to your doctor and have them clean the site.
*NB* the doctor often hurts more than the sting.

Don't worry too much you won't die and only need to seek medical help if you have been stung in the neck, face or chest area. Then the associated inflammation can cause breathing difficulties or heart failure.

eidted to add DON"T USE ICE, it will make it worse

Have you been stung colin as it sounds like it with all the good info.

 

[deogan]

stick your hand in hot water now

Thanks Colin for a fast and relieving reply. Hot water gives immediate relief to the stinging. thanks every one. The replies were really very fast.

 

[Colin_T]

nope, never been stung but I know a few people who have. An x boss got done by a scat when we where in the middle of packing wholesale orders and he spent the rest of the day hopping around swearing at the fish
A co-worker got done by a lionfish and spent half an hour soaking in hot water before going to the doctor. He said the doctor, and associated needles hurt more than the sting. He got stung in the end of a finger and the doctor stuck the needle in the puncture wound. Talk about ow wee.

 

[deogan]

Great info guys. The swelling is also lessening now so is the pain. Thanks again for such a fast reply