How to Relieve a Scorpion Sting

There are approximately 1,400 species of scorpions throughout the world. Only 25 of these species have a venom strong enough to be lethal to humans. The majority of the lethal species live in North Africa, Central and South America. There is only one species in the United States that is potentially lethal--centruroides. However, all scorpion stings involve the injection of poison, and should be taken seriously. Here's how to relieve a scorpion sting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Soap
• Baking soda
• Ice pack
• Acetaminophen

1. Wash the sting and the area around it using warm water and soap. Pat the area dry after washing. Do not rub your skin when washing or drying to avoid further irritation.

2. Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. Allow the paste to stay on the sting, exposed to air, until the paste dries and hardens. The baking soda helps to draw the poison out of the sting.

3. Apply a cool compress or an ice pack to the scorpion sting to numb the area for pain relief. Apply the compress or ice every couple of hours for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

4. Take acetaminophen to relieve the pain of the scorpion sting. Follow package directions carefully for dosage. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.

5. Monitor the sting for adverse reactions. If swelling or pain persists despite your attempts at relief, or if breathing becomes difficult, see a doctor immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Symptoms of a scorpion sting can include pain, sensitivity and burning at the site of the sting, numbness and tingling radiating from the sting to other parts of the body, difficulty swallowing and excess drool, slurred speech, restlessness, muscle twitching and respiratory problems.

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