A Case of Hand Ulcer Caused by Stingray Envenomation

Abstract

A 50-year-old man was stung in the dorsal aspect of his right hand by a freshwater stingray while taking care of it in his aquarium. Although the patient received antibiotics and irrigation of the wound, a deep ulcer developed. After the thorough debridement of the ulcer, it healed completely three months after the injury. Stingrays are one of the most dangerous marine animals for men. The sting is poisonous and causes a painful wound, delayed healing, and sometimes death. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports on envenomation by freshwater stingrays in Japan. We need to recognize how to treat the intense pain after the envenomation and the deep ulcer.