What to do if you are Stung by your Venomous Fish.

Discussion in 'Lionfish Lair' started by Renee@LionfishLair, Jul 4, 2012.

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  1. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
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    Coastal So. cal
    So, you didn't listen to my previous post........


    The absolute best advice we can offer is “DON’T GET STUNG!” However, accidents do happen, and what can we say? It's going to hurt... just how much depends on which species you take the hit from, its size, how much venom is injected, and the time the spine is embedded in your skin.

    First aid for a lionfish sting is immersion of the affected area in hot water (114°F) for 20 up to 90 minutes, or until the pain subsides, in order to inactivate the thermolabile components of the venom. The reason for applying heat to the wound is because lionfish venom is composed of heat labile proteins, and the heat actually denatures the venom. Please, don't use scalding-hot water, as the resulting burn will likely do more damage than the venom. To ensure the proper temperature have a cooking thermometer on hand. The best thing you can do is prepare ahead of time. Write down instructions and tuck them away in a safe memorable place along with the kitchen thermometer. You won’t want to log on and search for this thread after the fact.

    Don't worry, unless you happen to be allergic to the venom (which is very rare), or you get stung by a stonefish, your life really isn't in danger from the effects of the venom. If you are allergic to Bees, it does not mean you’ll be allergic to these guys. The make up of the venom is completely different. That being said, you need to guard against secondary infection of the wound as well as make certain that there are no pieces of the spine left in the wound, which can cause infection. A tetanus booster is recommended if it is past due. To that end, you may want to seek professional medical assistance, just in case.


    Picture of typical lionfish sting.

    LionfishLair.com - Lionfish Care Guide

    Disclaimer:This treatment guideline is not meant to replace appropriate professional medical treatment when available. Its focus is to help provide First Aid as a first response before seeking medical treatment when necessary. If you utilize any information provided in this document, you do so at your own risk and you specifically waive any right to make a claim against the authors of this guideline for the results or consequences of any attempt to use, adopt, adapt or modify the information presented in this document.
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2012
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Ooooo, awww and OUCH. The image speaks a thousand words.

    Never had the pleasure but now I know what to do.

    Thanks Renee.