Scorpions are eight-legged, arthropod animals belonging to the arachnida family. Scorpions can come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. During the daytime they are usually not noticed; however, it is possible to come across them more frequently as they go out of their places for feeding purposes at night. The toxicity caused by a scorpion sting varies depending on the type of family the scorpion belongs to. The pain felt after a scorpion sting is instantaneous. Conditions such as any redness or swelling usually occur within the first five minutes. However, cases of more severe symptoms usually occur over a longer period of time, such as an hour.
Scorpion Sting Symptoms
Scorpion sting symptoms can be understood by some symptoms occurring in that area. Severe pain, numbness and tingling, mild swelling and warmth can be observed in the area where the scorpion stings. In addition, when looking at the symptoms usually seen in children, conditions such as difficulty in breathing, involuntary head, neck and eye movements, sweating, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), high blood pressure and restlessness can be seen. It may also be possible for people who have been stung once by scorpions to experience an allergic reaction at subsequent stings. These stings can be severe enough to cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, which is caused by severe allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms in these cases; may include hives, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.
First Aid for Scorpion Sting
As a first aid to a scorpion sting, the wound should be cleaned with a mild soap and water. Compress should be applied to the area where the scorpion stings with the help of ice to keep that area cool. This can help relieve swelling as well as reduce pain. If swallowing is difficult, it is recommended not to consume liquid or solid food. Painkillers can be used when necessary. In addition to these, for an effective scorpion sting first aid response, after making sure that the scorpion has been removed, it is necessary to try to remember what color the scorpion is or, if possible, to take a photo of the scorpion with the help of a phone. This helps to inform the doctor whether the scorpion is poisonous or not. Trying to catch the scorpion and put it in a sealed bag is a bad idea. Because this may cause a second encounter with a scorpion bite.
Scorpion Sting Treatment
Mostly, scorpion bites do not require medical treatment. But if the symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to go to a hospital. Medication may be given into a vein (intravenously) to treat pain. Symptomatic support and antivenom therapy can be given to prevent and control the progression of symptoms. Antivenom is more effective if given before symptoms develop. For this reason, antivenom (antidote) is given first for preventive treatment in emergency services in rural areas, far from hospitals. In addition, the determining criterion for the scorpion sting treatment to be applied by the doctor is that it causes certain symptoms due to an allergic reaction rather than the venom itself, and how severe the symptoms are.
Scorpion Sting Which Doctor / Department Should I Go To?
Scorpions often hide in firewood, clothes, sheets, shoes and trash cans so care must be taken when handling these things. It is more likely to occur during the warmer seasons, when hiking or camping. Scorpion stings are often seen in body parts that come into contact with surfaces such as walls, soil and trees, such as hands, arms, feet and legs. Depending on where you live, such as a rural area or a city center, whether a scorpion sting is dangerous or not may vary. Often scorpion bites can be managed with the help of ice, pain relievers and antihistamines. However, in the case of small children or the elderly or those with allergic reactions, in case of a scorpion bite, it is absolutely necessary to apply to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Is Scorpion Sting Deadly?
Scorpion venom produces both local and systemic reactions. Local reactions consist of ecchymoses with itching, edema and burning pain. The venom causes symptoms such as cardiovascular manifestations, successive drowsiness, low body temperature, restlessness and tachycardia. Although not often, a scorpion sting can cause death. While healthy adults usually do not need medical treatment for scorpion stings, young children and the elderly are at risk for serious complications. It is known that only 30 of the estimated 1500 scorpion species in the world produce enough venom to be deadly. Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening.
After Scorpion Sting
A scorpion bite can cause instantaneous severe pain in the bitten area. Some stings cause local pain that resolves within hours. Localized edema and itching are common after scorpion bites.
Regional lymph nodes may enlarge and there may be an allergic reaction characterized by swelling of the eyelids, nausea and vomiting. Depending on the type of scorpion, the venom can affect the pain or nervous system and cause other serious health problems. These problems can include heart, respiratory and muscle problems. If severe symptoms occur after a scorpion sting, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention from the nearest health facility.
How Long Does Scorpion Sting Pain Last?
Local reactions after scorpion sting last between 7-10 days. They are usually not very large and fade in a few days.
More severe bites can cause more pain, fever and muscle aches for a few days, and more serious injury to your skin.
Some bites can cause blisters to form within the first 15 to 36 hours. Within a day after the blisters form, tingling occurs, which causes increased pain.
The venom can cause the skin and underlying tissue around the bite to die. The skin often darkens and ulcers may form on the skin. Bites that cause the skin to die in an area should be followed up continuously and in detail.