Contents:
Medical Video: Stung by a Scorpion - with Sting Closeup!
1. Definition
What is a scorpion sting?
Scorpions belong to the same class of animals as spiders, commonly called arachnida classes. Usually found in the desert region. The scorpion has a poisonous stinger at the end of its tail. More than 90% of scorpion stings occur on the hands. Most bites cause symptoms similar to the bite of a black spider, which causes sudden pain in the area of the bite accompanied by mild swelling.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Mild signs and symptoms of scorpion bites include:
- Pain, which can be very intense
- Numbness and a painful sensation in the sting area
- Mild swelling in the area around the sting
More serious signs and symptoms include:
- Muscles twitching or spasms
- Unnatural head, neck and eye movements
- Drooling mouth
- Sweating
- Gag
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Anxiety or stimulation or crying that is difficult to stop (in children)
2. How to overcome them
What should I do?
Compress ice cubes in stings for 20 minutes to reduce the spread of poisons. Then go to the nearest emergency room or wherever your doctor directs you. Poison bidders are available for severe bites, and other drugs can relieve muscle pain.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Immediately go to the hospital if you are stung by a scorpion under any circumstances.
3. Prevention
Scorpions tend to avoid contact. If you live in an area that is indeed a lot of scorpions, reduce the risk of meeting a scorpion by doing the following steps:
- Dispose of rubbish, wood, boards, stones, bricks and other objects in your home that would potentially be a good hiding place for scorpions.
- Keep the grass trimmed neatly, and trim the bushes and tree branches that can give way to your roof for the scorpion
- Crack patches around doors and windows, and repair damaged windows
- Do not store firewood in your house.
- When hiking or camping, wear long sleeves and trousers, and check your sleeping bag to make sure there are no scorpions before you sleep. Check your clothes and shake your shoes before wearing them to make sure there are no scorpions in them. Always use shoes.
- If you have an allergy to insect stings, always carry an epinephrine injector, such as EpiPen.
