Hi guys and gals
Not very often that I sort off give away what I do.
But I have seen a few nasty infections lately caused by fish spines, Lobster scratches and hooks causing holes in perfect skin (sounds like me).
It is caused by common bugs called Streps and Staphs mostly, but sometimes it is caused by Erysipelotrix causing Erysipeloid, which is a nasty little infection. This is called "crayfish poisoning" colloquially.
Now a very simple and relative cheap options is to get a script from your local GP called Bactroban (note currently a short supply until about June). This stuff is great for other non marine caused skin infections aswell.
As soon as you see any redness around a puncture whack some on and it will very often abort the infection and prevent it progressing to the point where you need proper oral Antibiotics.
This cream/ointment is a proper topical antibiotic that penetrates the skin killing invasive bacteria.
I never leave on a fishing trip without a tube or 2 stuffed somewhere, and with my poor form with hooks, spines etc has saved my arse a few times from nasty infections.
feel free to pm me with questions if desired.
It sell for about $20odd on a Private (non PBS) script.
Cheers
Neels