What to do if stung by a yellow croaker fish spine

After being pricked by a yellow croaker's spine, common treatments generally include promptly removing the spine, cleaning the wound, disinfecting the area, monitoring changes in the wound, and seeking medical examination if necessary. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Promptly remove the fish spine: If the spine has penetrated superficially and is visible, use clean tweezers or a fingernail to carefully extract it along the direction of entry. Avoid pressing hard, which may push the spine deeper or cause it to break and leave fragments behind.

2. Clean the wound: After removing the spine, thoroughly rinse the wound with running water to wash away surface contaminants and residual debris, reducing the risk of infection.

3. Disinfect the wound: After cleaning, gently apply iodine tincture or alcohol to the wound and surrounding skin using a cotton swab. Repeat this 2–3 times daily to prevent bacterial growth.

4. Monitor wound changes: Closely observe the wound after treatment. If signs of infection appear—such as increasing redness and swelling, worsening pain, increased discharge, or fever—immediate further action is required.

5. Seek medical examination: If the spine is deeply embedded, broken and partially retained, located near joints or areas rich in nerves, or if any abnormal symptoms develop during observation, seek prompt medical attention for professional care.

Stay calm when treating a yellow croaker spine injury to avoid improper handling that could worsen the damage. When handling fish routinely, wear puncture-resistant gloves, and promptly clean work surfaces and tools afterward to reduce the likelihood of accidents.