Warnings issued over painful weever fish as weather improves
There have already been dozens of reports of bathers being stung by the dangerous tiny fish from beaches up and down the country.
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With the weather expected to get better in the coming days, more and more people will flock to the coastline.
The tiny fish have sharp spines containing venom on their dorsal fin.
They are found all parts of the Irish coast but only in sandy areas, usually in warm shallow waters in the hour before and after low tide.
Unlike most fish, they have no swim bladder, meaning that they sink to the bottom as soon as they stop swimming.
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They are, therefore, difficult to see because they spend most of their time buried under the sand.
Standing on a weever fish results in immediate intense, burning pain with the most intense pain coming in the first two hours.
The painful sting can also result in swelling, numbness and warmth.
The NPIC this week issued a warning to people to beware of the tiny predator and were inundated with comments from people across the country telling of their frightening experiences.
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Therese Kavanagh revealed "Stood on one of these in Kilmuckridge in Wexford a few year back oh good Jesus the pain is awful, I'd never heard of weaver fish at the time but thankfully my neighbour did and knew exactly what to do when she seen my foot.
"Put swim shoes or crocs on the kids going in the water and don't let kids sit at the shoreline/ shallow water this is where they are found most"
Robert Alan said "Stepped on one of these on Achill Island and it's not fun! Thankfully the lifeguards knew what it was straight away and stuck the kettle on."
Ross Stewart said "It's agony. Get spiked at ten years old at Brittas Bay. Will never forget the pain."
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The NPIC has issued a list of guidelines for people to follow if they are stung by the tiny pest.
People should:
* Seek assistance from a lifeguard, if available.
* Submerge the affected limb or wound in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated for up to 90 minutes or until pain is easing.
* As the sting can result in numbness, immerse the unaffected limb too, as this may prevent inadvertent scalding.
* Cold applications may worsen the discomfort.
* Paracetamol can be considered to relieve pain. Care should be taken when pain relief is given that thermal burns do not occur due to the effects of the pain killer masking the temperature of the water used.
* The puncture site should be examined and embedded spines removed.
* Seek medical attention from a doctor as a tetanus and/or antibiotics may be required.
* Call the NPIC on 01 8092166 if you stand on a weever fish.
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