Genus: Trachinus
Distribution: Mediterranean Sea, eastern Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Europe
Venomous spines are located
(1) on the dorsal fin (multiple)
(2) on the gill covers (bilateral opercular spines)
Mode of exposure:
(1) stepping on the fish while wading
(2) trying to handle the fish in the water
(3) handling or cleaning a dead fish
Clinical features:
(1) extreme pain (worst that can be imagined)
(2) local erythema and swelling
(3) mechanical trauma from the spine
(4) local tissue damage from the toxin with necrosis
Complications:
(1) infection with sepsis
(2) tetanus
(3) drowning
(4) gangrene
(4) systemic toxicity if venom enters a major blood vessel, which can be fatal
First aid: immersing the site in hot water (< 45°C)
Management:
(1) Local excision of necrotic tissue.
(2) A nerve block will often control the pain.
(3) Tetanus prophylaxis.
