Scorpion fish sting: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Scorpion fish are members of the family Scorpaenidae, which includes zebrafish, lionfish and stonefish. These fish are very good at hiding in their surroundings. The fins of these prickly fish carry poisonous venom. This article describes the effects of a sting from such a fish.
P This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage a sting from one of these fish. If you or someone you are with is stung, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

T Poisonous Ingredient
P Scorpion fish venom is poisonous.

T Where Found
P Scorpion fish live in tropical waters, including along warm coasts of the United States. They are also found in aquariums worldwide.

T Symptoms
P A scorpion fish sting causes intense pain and swelling at the site of the sting. Swelling can spread and affect an entire arm or leg within minutes.
P Below are symptoms of a scorpion fish sting in different parts of the body.
P AIRWAYS AND LUNGS
- Difficulty breathing
P HEART AND BLOOD
- Collapse (shock)
- Low blood pressure and weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
P SKIN
- Bleeding.
- Severe pain at the site of the sting. Pain can quickly spread to the entire limb.
- Lighter color of the area around the site of the sting.
- Color of the area changes as the amount of oxygen supplying the area decreases.
P STOMACH AND INTESTINES
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
P NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Delirium (agitation and confusion)
- Fainting
- Fever (from infection)
- Headache
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Paralysis

T Home Care
P Seek medical help right away. Contact local emergency services.
P Wash the area with salt water. Remove any foreign material, such as sand or dirt, from around the wound. Soak the wound in the hottest water the person can stand for 30 to 90 minutes.

T Before Calling Emergency
P Have this information ready:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Time of the sting
- Type of fish if known
- Location of the sting

T Poison Control
P Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.
P This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

T What to Expect at the Emergency Room
P The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The wound will be soaked in a cleaning solution and any remaining foreign material will be removed. Symptoms will be treated. Some or all of these procedures may be performed:
- Blood and urine tests
- Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth into the throat, and breathing machine
- Chest x-ray
- ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Medicine to reverse the effect of the venom
- Medicine to treat symptoms
- Tetanus shot
- X-rays

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P How well the person does often depends on how much poisonous venom entered the body, the location of the sting, and how soon treatment is received. Numbness or tingling may last for several weeks after the sting. Skin breakdown is sometimes severe enough to need surgery.
P A puncture to the person's chest or abdomen may lead to death.

T References
P Auerbach PS. Envenomation by aquatic vertebrates. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 81.
P Isbister GK, Caldicott DG. Trauma and evenomations from marine fauna. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 196.
P Otten EJ. Venomous animal injuries. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 55.
P Thornton S, Clark RF. Marine food-borne poisoning, envenomation, and traumatic injuries. In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 142.

T Review Date 7/12/2017
P Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

