Natural Remedies for Weever Stings: What to Do If You Get Stung

Le weever fishWeever fish, also known as spider fish, are truly deadly. They hide under the sand, on sandy or muddy seabeds, and if stepped on, they sting with very sharp spines and inject a powerful venom. This fish camouflages itself very easily, making it impossible to spot from the sea surface, even in shallow waters. The venom is contained in the weever fish's dorsal spines, which erupt as soon as the fish feels the slightest touch. The pain, especially for children, can be unbearable, and it also starts from the foot, and it moves up the legs and body. Meanwhile, the skin becomes irritated and swollen, after an initial feeling of numbness.

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Weever fish poison

Weever fish venom is still being studied, although we know for certain that it contains several toxic protein substances, the most well-known of which is dracotoxin, a molecule capable of destroying blood cells. The symptoms of a weever fish sting are immediate: pain and redness, which may also be accompanied by vomiting and fever.

What to do if you are stung by a weever fish

In case of a sting, once you get out of the water, rinse the wound and disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide. As a first antidote, use an ammonia solution on the affected area, which soothes the pain. After a few hours, the pain subsides, but the swelling will persist. If you were stung by this fish as a child, you know that a common remedy for pain relief is urine, which contains ammonia. Among natural remedies, avoid cold water or ice. Very hot water (35-40 degrees Celsius) and boiling sand can work.

What to do if you are stung by a weever fish?

If you're stung by a weever fish, don't lose your temper or panic. If, in addition to pain and redness, you also experience nausea and vomiting, it's best to see a doctor who will prescribe the right medications, from antihistamines to antibiotics to cortisone. Painkillers, however, are useless and useless in these cases. Meanwhile, it's important to keep the wound clean and moisturized, and remove any thorns.

How long does the pain from a weever sting last?

The pain from a weever fish sting can last for several hours, as with jellyfish. This is another reason to take immediate action with the remedies we've outlined. And avoid unnecessary measures to combat the deadly toxin released by the spider fish.

How to recognize a weever's sting

A weever sting can be recognized by some unmistakable signs. In particular:

Redness and swelling of the spot where the weever has sunk its quills
Loss of sensation in the affected area
Tingling in the legs and along the arms
A violent and immediate pain
Fever, nausea and vomiting in uncommon cases

How to prevent weever stings

If you want to prevent a weever sting and you find yourself in a seaside area where they are likely to be found, you have a foolproof remedy for prevention: put on a pair of shoes (or sandals) suitable for walking on rocks, without risking stings. They're not the most aesthetically pleasing, but they make your sea bathing experience safer. Another important thing is to learn to recognize the weever fish: it's long, its spines are on the back of its head, and its fin is black.

What to do in case of a weever sting