Catfish stings are caused by spiny growths on their fins, specifically the dorsal and pectoral. These spiny growths can inject protein venom in the skin causing much pain and can even require hospitalization. Assuming that by the time you have read this article you would have already visited a doctor; remember the remedy outlined here is a preventative measure that can be undertaken whenever you have to deal with either catfish, or any stinging sea creature. Catfish stings can be problematic from two perspectives: the first being the power of the venom itself that can cause tissue necrosis, which if you do not get looked at immediately, can require amputation of a limb; and the second, being a spine being broken off inside your body, which can cause some serious problems including granulomas and neural damage. The worrying factor here, believe it or not, is not the venom but the possibility that a spine is still left in your body.
Venom is a substance that can have wide range of effects depending on which animal it belongs to. Venom can be protein-based or enzyme-based. Catfish venom is protein based and will cause hemolysis – blood cell destruction, dermonecrosis – abnormal death of skin tissue while it is still in the body, vasoconstriction – narrowing of the blood vessels, and inflammation. However, the good news is that if you want to disable the venom all you need to do is place your hand in some hot water of 45 degrees centigrade for about ten minutes and you will destroy the venom protein. If this is not possible, take some meat tenderizer papain with you on your next fishing trip and if you are stung again, apply this immediately to the wound.
Removing the sting itself is a surgical procedure. Considering that it could be some time before you reach a hospital if you are stung again, always carry some surgical tweezers or forceps with you when you venture out fishing. To remove the embedded spine, you must first locate it. This can be a dangerous procedure to do on your own if the spine is lodged deep within your flesh but if you follow the path of the entry wound, you will encounter the spine eventually. You need to open the forceps around the spine, clamp it, and then slowly pull it out to avoid major tissue damage. Again, this is a dangerous procedure, so wait until you get to a hospital instead.