The weever is a rather small fish that often ventures into very shallow water and has one or more spines on its back connected to a venom gland; its product, if injected, is capable of causing intense local pain and, sometimes, even general symptoms such as nausea and tremors. It is not a deadly poison but the local pain is described as extremely intense and with a tendency to extend towards the root of the affected limb.
weever fish
There are many people who inadvertently, on rocks or beaches, step on the fish, stinging the sole of the foot, more rarely the palm of the hand, sometimes breaking the spine which remains deeply embedded in the skin.
In this case, before or simultaneously with the medical intervention, a “homemade” but extremely effective procedure can be implemented which draws its motivation from solid scientific foundations.
The venom of the weever fish is in fact a thermolabile protein, that is, its denaturation, that is, the transformation of the spatial structure, and therefore the loss of toxicity, occurs if immersed in water brought to a temperature of only 45°.
Basically, to inactivate the venom of the weever and therefore quickly relieve the violent pain of the sting, it is necessary to immerse the affected part in a container with very hot water, to the limit of tolerance, no matter if sweet or salty. Typically within 30-60 minutes the pain reduces dramatically, sometimes even more quickly.
Medical intervention may be useful to verify the possible presence of a fragment of the weever’s spine stuck in the skin and decide on the need for removal and/or pharmacological therapy.
Since this page is not aimed at health professionals, I will not focus on any therapy which basically consists, depending on the case and the doctor’s judgment, in analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, topical cortisone and in general, tetanus prophylaxis.
Dr. Salvatore Nicolosi
Doctor of general Medicine
(translated into English from Italian with Google Translate)