Scorpion sting

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

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:

• Severe pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Coma

First Aid

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

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

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

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

• Venom
• Arachnid
• Insect bite
• Antivenom
• First aid

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