The symptoms of a scorpion sting vary according to the species. Some are mild, resulting in limited pain, whereas others are much more serious…
Scorpions are dangerous arachnids that are quite commonly found in many parts of the world. Scorpions always come across as a fierce predator since they have a venom that can lead to severe reactions.
It is always important to observe and look out for the vital signs of the sting and decide to treat the sting at home or seek for medical attention.
A scorpion sting can cause excruciating pain that could lead to complications as well. While a scorpion sting is usually not life-threatening, there are times when it can get dangerous.
There are thousands of species of scorpions around the world and the intensity of the sting can vary depending on the species. Like spider bites or bee stings, a scorpion sting is quite sharp and can feel like an electric shock.
It is important to know when you have been bitten. If you can identify a scorpion well, and are well versed with what the back of the scorpion and the rest of its body looks like, you can get medical attention quickly.
When the sting of a scorpion leads to high heart rate or high blood pressure, severe muscle spasms. It is important to rush to the emergency department. In some cases a scorpion sting can lead to life-threatening condition.
Baby scorpion sting
A sting of a baby scorpion is as painful as an adult scorpion. While some may say that baby scorpions are more dangerous, this isn’t true.
They are equally harmful, their sting can lead to similar symptoms. If you spot a baby scorpion, make sure to take all precautions against a scorpion infestation.
Scorpions are spotted in places with warmer weather, and they can come into your space looking for water or shelter.
Often, they are seen hiding in wood piles or debris in the house. If you see signs of an infestation, you can use black lights or UV lights since scorpions have luminescent quality.
Can a baby scorpion hurt you?
A baby scorpion can hurt you. In fact, spotting a baby scorpion should make you more careful since there could be more in the same area.
To get rid of the scorpion, make sure to use a broom and don’t attempt to pick it up and throw it even if it is a baby scorpion. You can even notice that the end of a narrow tail of the baby scorpion is where the poison gland and stinger are present.
What does a scorpion sting look like?
Swelling, numbness and redness of skin is the first few of signs that you will see when a scorpion stings. More than what you see, you will sense the stung because of the extreme pain caused by the fierce sting of a scorpion.
If you notice severe signs like difficulty breathing, roving eye movements or difficulty in swallowing, it is a good idea to go the emergency department.
Onion for scorpion sting
As the age-old adage goes, onions might help to a great extent in reducing the swelling and bringing down the redness after the sting. However, it might not always be the solution.
A scorpion sting, most often, need more attention and medical treatment in many cases. Home remedies are always immediate and can be done immediately.
Onion juice can be rubbed at the site area back and forth to help with the pain. In fact, onion juice is a great remedy for many other stings and bites, such as mosquito bites.
Garlic for scorpion sting
Another natural remedy that helps reduce the pain of scorpion bite is garlic. Traditional medicines also indicate that consuming garlic after drinking some wine reduces the pain of the sting.
While home remedies are useful, it is important to keep an eye out for severe symptoms that need immediate medical attention.
How long does a scorpion sting last?
At most cases, scorpion stings don’t last too long. You will see the symptoms going in around 48 hours. However, if the aftereffects of scorpion venom are getting worse, it is recommended that you meet the doctor.
Some of the most common places where you will find scorpions in America are in North America and southwestern United States. For example: Arizona, some parts of California, and in New Mexico.
Scorpions are portrayed as scary predators, but the fact is that scorpions try and stay away from humans. Their attacks are mostly by accident or a response of fear.
What relieves scorpion sting pain?
Scorpion stings always cause a lot of pain and swelling. Using a cool compress on the site area can help bring down the pain. You can also take painkillers to reduce the pain.
However, it is important to observe and understand the intensity of the sting and go to the emergency room if required.
The Arizona Bark Scorpion, one of the most commonly known species of scorpion living in North America can lead to serious health hazards. These scorpions that are quite common in New Mexico can lead to severe symptoms.
The lethal venom that is found in these scorpions can leave you quite sick for a few days. You can identify them with their yellow color and the horizontal lines.
If you live in areas that are known to have many scorpions, it is important to know what to do if you are stung by a scorpion. Also known as Centruroides exilicauda, the Baja California bark scorpion sting is also known to cause serious complications.
If you find yourself having trouble breathing and also feeling sick and drowsy, it is important to seek help. An antivenin has been made accessible in Arizona to treat stings from Centruroides exilicauda scorpions.
The antivenom acts as antibodies and help the body fight against spreading the venom.
FAQ relating to the symptoms of a scorpion sting
There are times when scorpion stings result in serious symptoms and this needs immediate medical care. If there are cases of subsequent stings, it will lead to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions.
Sometimes learning more about scorpions that are dangerous will help in keeping an eye out for the dangerous species. It is important to know scorpions are mostly found in hot places and desert areas.
It is also advisable to learn about the scorpion species found commonly in your local area. If you live in places that have these weather, keeping an eye out for scorpions can save you from a lot of pain.
Here is a quick video on understand what happens to you when a scorpion stings you.
How do you know if a scorpion sting is serious?
There are many factors that help determine the seriousness of a scorpion sting. Some of the most important points to note are the age of the person, the scorpion species, size of scorpion, and also the sting site matters a lot.
Taking a photo of the scorpion or even if you get to trap them to understand the species, it would help in researching and understanding the severity of the sting. Scorpion stings can be dangerous on young children than on adults.
However, scorpion stings on older adults can also be threatening at times. In America, tens of thousands of people get stung by scorpions and so there are many commonly known ways to help someone who has been stung.
Watch out for symptoms such as roving eye movements and difficulty in swallowing. These are certain signs that will indicate that you need to go into emergency.
When should you go to the hospital for a scorpion sting?
In most cases, scorpion stings can be handled at home with home remedies and help from people who are aware of the local scorpion species. However, there are times when it is vital to visit the hospital.
A few species of scorpions can be quite dangerous and can lead to breathing difficulty, seizures, high blood pressure, weakness, and muscle twitching. If you sense that these symptoms are taking control of your body, please go to the hospital.
How do you treat a scorpion sting?
Here are a few steps to to follow at home to help yourself if you have been stung by a scorpion.
- Clean the affected area with water and soap, preferably a mild soap.
- If you are in a lot of pain, apply a cool compress on the site area to alleviate the pain.
- Avoid any food or liquids if you’re struggling to swallow.
- You can get hold of a pain relief over-the-counter medicine to reduce the initial pain.
What will happen if a scorpion stings you?
Excruciating pain is the most obvious symptoms of a scorpion sting. You will see mild to severe symptoms based on a lot of different factors. It is important to observe the manner in which your body is reacting and take action accordingly.
In very rare cases, the highly poisonous scorpions can lead to death caused by respiratory failure or heart failure. The venom that is found in scorpions can lead to neurotoxic symptoms.
This includes numbness and tingling near the site of the sting. If you sense that the sting is severe or see life-threatening symptoms apart from the pain, it is always advisable to visit the hospital.
