Topic Overview
Even if you fish carefully,
you may get a
fishhook in your skin. A fishhook is a curved, sharp instrument placed on a lure or line
to catch fish. Some fishhooks have a barb near the tip that keeps the fish on the hook. You can also use a barbless fishhook, which may reduce the chance of a fishhook
injury.
Fishhook injuries often occur
when you remove a slippery, flopping fish from your line. Injury may also occur
when you are casting a line, from another person casting a line, or if you walk
barefoot near fishing gear. The chance of a fishhook injury increases if you
are not familiar with fishing gear.
Most fishhook injuries puncture
the skin of the face, scalp, fingers, back, or ears. Home treatment can help
you remove a fishhook that is not too deep. It is
important to
clean the puncture wound well to help prevent
infection.
A fishhook can cause other problems if it enters the
eye, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. A fishhook injury is more serious
when:
- A fishhook is in or near an eye. Be sure to know
first aid for a fishhook in or near the eye.
- A barb can't be removed using home
treatment.
- Bleeding is
severe or can't be stopped.
- The wound is
big enough to
need stitches.
- Blood vessels, nerves,
tendons,
ligaments,
joints, or bones are injured. Injuries to these areas
may cause:
- Numbness or tingling.
- Pale, white, blue, or cold skin.
- Decreased ability to
move the area.
- Signs of infection develop, such as
redness, swelling, or pus. A puncture from a fishhook is often dirty from
marine bacteria, which increases the chance of a
skin infection.
- Your
tetanus immunization is not current.
Check your symptoms to decide if and when you
should see a doctor.
Check Your Symptoms
Home Treatment
First aid for fishhook injuries
includes the following:
Medicine you can buy without a prescription| Try a nonprescription
medicine to help treat your fever or pain: |
|---|
Talk to your child’s doctor before switching back and
forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two
medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine. |
Safety tips| Be sure to follow these
safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: |
|---|
- Carefully read and follow all directions
on the medicine bottle and box.
- Do not take more than the
recommended dose.
- Do not take a medicine if you have had an
allergic reaction to it in the past.
- If
you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take
it.
- If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other
than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.
|
Symptoms to watch for during home treatment
Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home
treatment:
- Numbness and
tingling develop below the site of the injury.
- Pale, white, blue, or cold skin
develops below the site of the injury.
- Symptoms of a
skin infection develop, such as redness, swelling, or
pus.
- Symptoms become more frequent or severe.
Prevention
The following tips will help you reduce
your chance of a fishhook injury:
- Fish with single hooks rather than multiple
hooks.
- Consider using a barbless hook. It is safer for you and is
better for the fish if you plan on releasing it.
- Wear shoes, a hat,
and other protective clothing, such as eyeglasses or goggles, when fishing and
when walking in areas where people fish.
- Look around before casting
to make sure no one is behind you.
- When you fish, carry a
commercial fishhook remover, a large Kelly clamp, or sharp, side-cutting
pliers.
When you go fishing, be prepared for a fishhook injury. If you
are prepared, you may be able to remove a fishhook, which may prevent a serious
injury and decrease your risk of infection.
Preparing For Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
You can help your
doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the
following questions:
- When did you receive the fishhook
injury?
- Did you attempt to remove the fishhook? If so, what methods
did you try?
- When was your last tetanus shot?
- Do you
have any
health risks?
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
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| Last Revised | April 26, 2011 |
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