Scorpionfish represents a family of fish with multiple genera that is distributed around the world in the tropics and subtropics. They have venomous glands at the base of various fins and spines that can result in envenomation.
People at risk:
(1) fisherman
(2) cook
(3) person walking along the ocean floor with bare feet
Clinical findings
(1) The typical injury is a small cut on a hand or foot. The area may become necrotic.
(2) There is intense pain, edema and erythema at the site of contact.
(3) There may be variable systemic findings such as faintness/syncope, hypotension, headache and/or nausea.
(4) Rarely it can be fatal.
Complications:
(1) secondary infection
Management:
(1) The site should be cleaned.
(2) Provide for analgesia (local anesthetic, analgesic).
(3) Give an antihistamine.
(4) Place the site in warm water to help inactivate the venom.
(5) Give a course of antibiotics.
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