Scorpion sting: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Buthus_pyrenaeus_283677889.jpg| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Scorpion sting | |||
| image = [[File:Buthus_pyrenaeus_283677889.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = ''[[Buthus pyrenaeus]]'', a species of scorpion | |||
| field = [[Toxicology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[numbness]], [[tingling]], [[swelling]], [[muscle twitching]], [[sweating]], [[high blood pressure]], [[heart rate abnormalities]] | |||
| complications = [[Anaphylaxis]], [[respiratory failure]], [[multi-organ failure]] | |||
| onset = Immediate | |||
| duration = Hours to days | |||
| causes = [[Scorpion venom]] | |||
| risks = [[Children]], [[elderly]], [[immunocompromised individuals]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]] | |||
| differential = [[Spider bite]], [[snake bite]], [[allergic reaction]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding scorpion habitats, using protective clothing | |||
| treatment = [[Pain management]], [[antivenom]], [[supportive care]] | |||
| medication = [[Analgesics]], [[antihistamines]], [[antivenom]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in tropical and subtropical regions | |||
}} | |||
A '''scorpion sting''' is an injury caused by the venomous sting of a [[scorpion]]. Scorpions are arachnids belonging to the order [[Scorpiones]]. They are found in various regions around the world, particularly in [[desert]] and [[tropical]] environments. | A '''scorpion sting''' is an injury caused by the venomous sting of a [[scorpion]]. Scorpions are arachnids belonging to the order [[Scorpiones]]. They are found in various regions around the world, particularly in [[desert]] and [[tropical]] environments. | ||
=== Symptoms === | === Symptoms === | ||
The symptoms of a scorpion sting can vary depending on the species of scorpion and the individual's reaction to the venom. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of a scorpion sting can vary depending on the species of scorpion and the individual's reaction to the venom. Common symptoms include: | ||
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* [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] | * [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] | ||
* [[Increased heart rate]] and [[blood pressure]] | * [[Increased heart rate]] and [[blood pressure]] | ||
In severe cases, particularly with stings from highly venomous species like the [[Arizona bark scorpion]] (''Centruroides sculpturatus''), symptoms can escalate to: | In severe cases, particularly with stings from highly venomous species like the [[Arizona bark scorpion]] (''Centruroides sculpturatus''), symptoms can escalate to: | ||
* [[Severe pain]] | * [[Severe pain]] | ||
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* [[Seizures]] | * [[Seizures]] | ||
* [[Coma]] | * [[Coma]] | ||
=== First Aid === | === First Aid === | ||
Immediate first aid measures for a scorpion sting include: | Immediate first aid measures for a scorpion sting include: | ||
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* Taking over-the-counter [[pain relievers]] such as [[ibuprofen]] or [[acetaminophen]] | * Taking over-the-counter [[pain relievers]] such as [[ibuprofen]] or [[acetaminophen]] | ||
* Avoiding the use of [[aspirin]] as it can worsen bleeding | * Avoiding the use of [[aspirin]] as it can worsen bleeding | ||
It is crucial to seek medical attention if the sting is from a highly venomous scorpion, if the individual is a child, elderly, or has a compromised immune system, or if severe symptoms develop. | It is crucial to seek medical attention if the sting is from a highly venomous scorpion, if the individual is a child, elderly, or has a compromised immune system, or if severe symptoms develop. | ||
=== Medical Treatment === | === Medical Treatment === | ||
Medical treatment for a scorpion sting may involve: | Medical treatment for a scorpion sting may involve: | ||
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* [[Pain management]] with stronger [[analgesics]] | * [[Pain management]] with stronger [[analgesics]] | ||
* [[Monitoring]] and supportive care in a hospital setting | * [[Monitoring]] and supportive care in a hospital setting | ||
=== Prevention === | === Prevention === | ||
Preventing scorpion stings involves: | Preventing scorpion stings involves: | ||
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* Sealing cracks and crevices in homes to prevent scorpions from entering | * Sealing cracks and crevices in homes to prevent scorpions from entering | ||
* Using insecticides and other pest control measures | * Using insecticides and other pest control measures | ||
=== Scorpions === | === Scorpions === | ||
Scorpions are predatory arachnids with eight legs and a pair of grasping [[pedipalps]]. They are known for their segmented tails that end in a venomous stinger. Scorpions are nocturnal and primarily feed on [[insects]] and other small [[arthropods]]. | Scorpions are predatory arachnids with eight legs and a pair of grasping [[pedipalps]]. They are known for their segmented tails that end in a venomous stinger. Scorpions are nocturnal and primarily feed on [[insects]] and other small [[arthropods]]. | ||
=== See Also === | === See Also === | ||
* [[Venom]] | * [[Venom]] | ||
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* [[Antivenom]] | * [[Antivenom]] | ||
* [[First aid]] | * [[First aid]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
[[Category:Insect bites and stings]] | [[Category:Insect bites and stings]] | ||
[[Category:Toxins]] | [[Category:Toxins]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:13, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Scorpion sting | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, muscle twitching, sweating, high blood pressure, heart rate abnormalities |
| Complications | Anaphylaxis, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure |
| Onset | Immediate |
| Duration | Hours to days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Scorpion venom |
| Risks | Children, elderly, immunocompromised individuals |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis |
| Differential diagnosis | Spider bite, snake bite, allergic reaction |
| Prevention | Avoiding scorpion habitats, using protective clothing |
| Treatment | Pain management, antivenom, supportive care |
| Medication | Analgesics, antihistamines, antivenom |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in tropical and subtropical regions |
| Deaths | N/A |
A scorpion sting is an injury caused by the venomous sting of a scorpion. Scorpions are arachnids belonging to the order Scorpiones. They are found in various regions around the world, particularly in desert and tropical environments.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a scorpion sting can vary depending on the species of scorpion and the individual's reaction to the venom. Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the site of the sting
- Swelling
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle twitching
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
In severe cases, particularly with stings from highly venomous species like the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), symptoms can escalate to:
First Aid[edit]
Immediate first aid measures for a scorpion sting include:
- Cleaning the sting site with soap and water
- Applying a cool compress to reduce pain and swelling
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Avoiding the use of aspirin as it can worsen bleeding
It is crucial to seek medical attention if the sting is from a highly venomous scorpion, if the individual is a child, elderly, or has a compromised immune system, or if severe symptoms develop.
Medical Treatment[edit]
Medical treatment for a scorpion sting may involve:
- Administration of antivenom for severe cases
- Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
- Pain management with stronger analgesics
- Monitoring and supportive care in a hospital setting
Prevention[edit]
Preventing scorpion stings involves:
- Wearing protective clothing and shoes in areas where scorpions are common
- Shaking out clothing, shoes, and bedding before use
- Sealing cracks and crevices in homes to prevent scorpions from entering
- Using insecticides and other pest control measures
Scorpions[edit]
Scorpions are predatory arachnids with eight legs and a pair of grasping pedipalps. They are known for their segmented tails that end in a venomous stinger. Scorpions are nocturnal and primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods.
See Also[edit]
