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What Medical Intervention Is Necessary For Lion Fish Sting Bite?

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Posted on Mon, 25 May 2015
Question: after a lion fish sting on a thumb, what medical intervention is absolutely necessary if there is just swelling of the hand? Pain from neurotoxin has been mitigated by use of hot water but swelling persists. Sting occurred approximately 10 hrs ago. Area cleaned, stinger removed, neosporin applied to site; no"red streaks" noted.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Conservative and supportive care

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Lion fish envenomation is only worrisome if it causes an anaphylaxis or any cardiopulmonary arrest which it is notorious for and it happens with in an hour. Now that 10 hours has passed and area has been cleared of sting and managed conservatively there is nothing to worry about. Swelling will subside slowly with passage of time. You have done immersion non scalding hot water technique for analgesia.

Next thing is
1)to make sure of complete eradication of stinger or foreign body before leaving ER.
2) Tetanus Prophylaxis
3) Anti venom prediluted administered subcutaneously.
4) addition of antihistamines and corticosteroids shot prophylactically to prevent anaphylaxis.

Remember the goal is to control pain and treat conservatively.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (12 minutes later)
I'm just concerned about the potential for tissue necrosis . Nothing seems to indicate that at this point...I'm just a concerned mom ....he didn't go to the ER or MD at this point.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
tissue necrosis unlikely rare complication

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

Tissue necrosis is unlikely with foreign body and stinger removal completely. That is why I mentioned not to leave ER with out those goals achieved.

No worries. This is easily manageable. Had it been worrisome It would have shown with in an hour. Complete eradication of stinger is mandatory for prompt healing and swelling relief.

I hope it helps.

Take care
Khan
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Medical Intervention Is Necessary For Lion Fish Sting Bite?

Brief Answer: Conservative and supportive care Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Lion fish envenomation is only worrisome if it causes an anaphylaxis or any cardiopulmonary arrest which it is notorious for and it happens with in an hour. Now that 10 hours has passed and area has been cleared of sting and managed conservatively there is nothing to worry about. Swelling will subside slowly with passage of time. You have done immersion non scalding hot water technique for analgesia. Next thing is 1)to make sure of complete eradication of stinger or foreign body before leaving ER. 2) Tetanus Prophylaxis 3) Anti venom prediluted administered subcutaneously. 4) addition of antihistamines and corticosteroids shot prophylactically to prevent anaphylaxis. Remember the goal is to control pain and treat conservatively. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan