What is Good for Scorpion Stings?
Scorpion stings can be quite painful. However, it is generally not a life-threatening danger. Young children and older individuals are most at risk of developing serious complications. Of the estimated 1,500 species of scorpions worldwide, only 30 produce potentially fatal venom. More than one million cases of scorpion stings are reported each year. Those who live in areas where healthcare is not easily accessible are most affected by these scorpion stings, and the result can be death. Healthy adults generally do not require treatment for scorpion stings.
Scorpion Sting Symptoms
The symptoms of a scorpion bite are as follows:
- Increasing pain
- Numbness and tingling sensation
- Mild swelling
- feeling of warmth
Symptoms related to widespread (systemic) venom effects are usually seen in children stung by scorpions and are as follows:
- difficult breathing
- twitching of muscles
- Abnormal head, neck and eye movements
- drooling
- Sweating
- Vomiting and nausea
- high blood pressure
- Acceleration of heart beats
- Restlessness or inconsolable crying
As with other stinging insects such as bees and wasps, it is possible for people who have been stung by scorpions to have some allergic reactions to subsequent stings. Reactions to these subsequent stings can sometimes escalate into a severe life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms in these cases are similar to anaphylaxis caused by a bee sting and can include hives , shortness of breath , and nausea and vomiting.
What are the Risk Factors in Scorpion Stings?
Some activities can increase the risk of scorpion bites. These can be listed as follows:
Living in places where scorpions are common: They are most common in Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East and India, and therefore it is necessary to be more careful in these regions.
Being where there are scorpions: It is necessary to pay attention under rocks, logs and tree barks while hiking or camping. You’re likely to encounter one while hiking or camping, especially in forested areas.
Traveling where there are scorpions: You are more likely to encounter more dangerous scorpions when traveling to certain parts of the world. Scorpions can hide in your clothes, suitcases, and shipping containers so you can bring them home with you.
Scorpion Sting Diagnosis
Your doctor can usually make a diagnosis easily based on your medical history and symptoms. If you have severe symptoms, you’ll need blood or imaging tests to check the effect the poison is having on your liver, heart, lungs, and other organs.
Scorpion Sting Treatment
Most scorpion stings do not require medical attention. However, if symptoms are severe, hospital treatment may be necessary. Medications are given intravenously to treat pain. Scorpion antivenom is given to adults as well as to children to prevent symptoms from worsening.
First Aid for a Scorpion Sting
If a scorpion stings you or a loved one, there are some interventions you can take until you get to the hospital. Healthy adults may not need much treatment. But these tips help keep kids safe until they can see a doctor. First clean the wound with mild soap and water. You can reduce the pain by applying a cold compress to the stung area. If you have difficulty swallowing, avoid consuming food or liquids. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever when necessary. Be sure to check your or your child’s vaccination records to make sure their tetanus vaccination is up to date.
What is Good for Scorpion Stings?
After a scorpion sting, it is good to clean it with soap and water and apply a cold compress, as mentioned above. Otherwise, most bites and stings heal on their own after a few days of mild discomfort. It is necessary to monitor the affected area for signs of infection. If the condition of the wound is worsening or does not heal after several weeks, contact your doctor. Bites and stings that cause severe reactions can be fatal if not treated immediately. When experiencing a severe allergic reaction, it may be helpful to be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is known as a hormone that can prevent anaphylactic shock. Always keep an auto-injector with you to reverse the reaction immediately after a bite or sting.
Is Scorpion Sting Fatal?
Recovery usually occurs without the need for medical treatment. However, very old and very young individuals are more likely to die after an untreated venomous scorpion sting. This is because heart or respiratory failure usually occurs within a few hours of the sting.
How Long Does Scorpion Sting Pain Last?
The pain is most severe in the first 2 hours and then eases.
How to Prevent Scorpion Stings?
Scorpions generally avoid contact. If you live in an area where they are common, you can prevent accidental encounters by doing the following:
- Remove piles of rocks or lumber from around your home, and don’t store firewood in front of or inside the home.
- Mow the lawn and prune back shrubs and overhanging tree branches. Otherwise, this could create a path for scorpions to your roof.
- Caulk cracks, install weatherstripping around doors and windows, and repair any tears.
- If you haven’t used gardening gloves, boots and clothing for a while, thoroughly inspect and shake them.
- When traveling in areas where deadly scorpions are common, especially if you are camping or staying in shelters, wear your shoes and shake out your clothing, bedding, equipment, and packing frequently.
- Scorpions glow under black light, so you can use this information to examine your surroundings. If you see a scorpion, you can use tongs to move it away from people.
The poison injected into your body by a scorpion’s bite or sting causes your immune system to react. Often, your body’s immediate response brings redness and swelling at the bite or sting site. Minor reactions include itching and pain. When the venom contains infectious agents, some bites and stings can cause illness. If you are very sensitive to an insect’s venom, bites and stings can cause a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause the throat to tighten and make breathing difficult or cause low blood pressure. When the severity of the situation increases and your symptoms become severe, immediately contact your nearest healthcare provider.
