How to Treat Scorpion Stings

Being stung by a scorpion is a painful and frightening experience, but if you are able to remain calm it is a simple issue to handle. Here are a few helpful hints and tips on how to treat and otherwise handle a scorpion sting.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A level head
• A pillow or recliner
• soap and water

1. Anytime you are bit or stung by any animal or insect it is good to begin treatment by cleaning the wound site with soap and water. Disinfecting the sting site may prevent rare but dangerous complications.

2. Keep in mind - very few people will suffer serious side effects of a scorpion sting - and even fewer will require medical treatment or hospitalization. It is extremely rare for people to die of scorpion stings. The obvious exceptions are the same as those for other venomous animals and insects - the very young and the very old are generally most susceptible.

3. If the victim is very young (an infant or toddler) or very old, get them to an ER as quickly as possible. If not, prepare to get to an ER should the victim begin to show signs of allergic reaction or an unusually powerful neuro-toxic response to the venom. If you are in a wilderness area when the sting occurs, begin heading to civilization as quickly as possible. Such reactions to watch for include experiencing a numb feeling or any tingling in the hands, feet, or face, blurring of visual perception, involuntary muscle spasms, or twitching of the eyes.

4. There are differences of opinion on this one - but the Arizona Poison Control operator specifically stated that ice should NOT be applied to the sting site. A cool compress maybe, but not ice.

5. If at all possible - keep the victim calm, immobile, and elevate the sting site to heart level. If a person is stung in the middle of a 3 mile hike - it may not be possible for the hiking partners to carry the person back to their vehicle. In this event a compress or pressure bandage may be used - but never use a tourniquet.

6. Keep in mind that animals are just as susceptible to scorpion venom as humans - watch your pets and offer them the same treatment should they be stung.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you experience no immediate medical complications from your sting, you may want to follow-up with a physician for a tetanus shot or booster.
• Certain scorpion stings are more dangerous than others. Being stung on the lip or in the mouth can be especially dangerous. As with many poisonous snakes, immature scorpions may pose a greater health threat than mature ones. Immature scorpions (and snakes) may inject all of their available venom instead of just enough to protect themselves.