Originally Posted by
Thomas712
http:///forum/post/1827933
First of all a bit of First Aid advice.
Bristleworm Sting Treatment
Treatment for a bristleworm bite or sting includes the following:
Apply topical acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol.
Remove bristles with tweezers or adhesive tape.
If severe inflammation and a continual burning sensation develop, apply hydrocortisone cream 3 times per day.
If signs of infection are present, such as pus, redness, or heat, apply topical antibiotic ointment.
Oral antibiotics are usually recommended to prevent infection. If infection develops, continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared. Check for drug allergy prior to starting any antibiotic. A doctor will recommend the right antibiotic. Some antibiotics can cause sensitivity to the sun, so use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15).
Pain may be relieved with 1-2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours and/or 1-2 ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 6-8 hours.
Second, I have many bristle worms in my tank and have no wish to kill them. they are part of a healthy cleanup crew. Leave them alone.
Sorry to revive this thread, but how long does this pain last? I got bit last Friday and 2 fingers were hit. I saw the bristles but was so busy re-aquascaping that I thought I would deal with it when I was done. NOW,
I have these little tiny raised dots, my joints in those fingers are so painful, as is the whole wrist and I am on pain mangement (pretty heavy duty stuff) and it keep getting worse every day. There are no open lesions so I am not taking antibiotics. Just wondered, how long before this goes away? BTW I asked my doc and his response was "I never heard of those things....don't put your hands in the tank anymore'! LOL Well that's fine but this pain is horrible.....so....SW people....wear gloves! Thanks for listening!
