1. Definition
What is a scorpion sting?
Scorpions belong to the same class of animals as spiders, which are commonly called the arachnid class. Usually found in desert regions. The scorpion has a poisonous stinger at the end of its tail. More than 90% of scorpion stings occur on the hands. Most bites cause symptoms similar to those of a black spider, which causes sudden pain in the bite area accompanied by mild swelling.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Mild signs and symptoms of scorpion bites include:
- Pain, which can be very intense
- Numbness and a stinging sensation in the area of the sting
- Mild swelling in the area around the sting
More serious signs and symptoms include:
- Muscle twitching or spasms
- Unnatural movements of the head, neck and eyes
- Mouth drooling
- Sweating
- Gag
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Restlessness or stimulation or crying that is difficult to stop (in children)
2. How to fix it
What should I do?
Apply an ice cube to the sting for 20 minutes to reduce the spread of venom. Then go to the nearest emergency room or wherever your doctor directs you. Antidotes are available for severe bites, and other medications can relieve muscle pain.
When should I see a doctor?
Go to the hospital immediately if you have been stung by a scorpion under any circumstances.
3. Prevention
Scorpions tend to avoid contact. If you live in an area where there are scorpions, reduce the risk of encountering scorpions by doing the following:
- Remove trash, wood, planks, stones, bricks and other objects in your home that would potentially be good hiding places for scorpions.
- Keep the grass neatly trimmed, and trim any bushes and tree branches that can provide a path to the roof of your house for scorpions.
- Patch cracks around doors and windows, and repair broken windows
- Do not store firewood in your home.
- When hiking or camping, wear long sleeves and trousers, and check your sleeping bag for scorpions before you go to sleep. Check your clothes and shake your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no scorpions in them. Always wear shoes.
- If you have an allergy to insect stings, always carry an epinephrine injector, such as an EpiPen.
