Scorpion fish


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Home Treatment

Wash the area with salt water. Remove any foreign material at the wound site. Contact the emergency room. Soak the wound in the hottest water the person can tolerate for 30 to 90 minutes, if instructed to do so. Contact Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment instructions.


Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • identification of the marine animal causing the sting if possible
  • the time stung

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital and advise of any appropriate first aid that can be administered immediately.




What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • Soak the wound
  • Remove any remaining material
  • Give tetanus immunization if necessary
  • Give antibiotic if necessary
  • Treat the symptoms
  • Give pain medication if needed

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery will probably depend on how much toxin the patient received, any sensitivity to the toxin, and how soon adequate treatment can be obtained.



Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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