Scorpions are related to spiders, mites and ticks. Scorpions are eight-legged invertebrates with an extended body and a segmented tail that ends with a stinger. They can easily adapt to a variety of environments such as mountains with pine forest and damp caves. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures where they hide during the day under the rocks, logs, cracks and in burrows that they dig. Scorpion stings are very dangerous to young children, older people and pets.
Just like with other stinging insects such as bees and wasp, scorpion stings can cause an allergic reaction that can sometimes be dangerous and the symptoms are similar to stings of bees such as hives, breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting.
- Pain that can be severe
- The area around the bitten area is slightly swollen
- Tingling and numbness of the affected area
- Abnormal head, neck and eye movements
- Drooling, sweating and vomiting
- Restlessness or excitability crying in children
Treatment of scorpion stings
- Clean the wound immediately using soap and water.
- Apply cold compress on the affected area immediately after the first two hours after the sting in order to lessen pain and minimize the spread of the venom.
- Elevate the bitten area above the level of the heart.
- Stay calm and quiet in order to help minimize the spread of poison in the body.
- Avoid consuming foods that are difficult to swallow.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen to lessen the pain and discomfort
- If a scorpion stings the hand, immerse the hand in a container filled with regular ammonia.
- Add a few drops of water in baking soda. Mix well until it becomes a paste and apply on the area until the pain lessens.
- Use a meat tenderizer that contains papaya extract since it helps in calming the pain caused by a scorpion sting. Add a few drops of water to the meat tenderizer and mix them well until it reaches a consistency of a paste and apply immediately to a sting area. The papaya extract breaks down the protein found in the venom and also helpful on bee and wasp stings.
- Apply the prescribed cortisone cream on the affected area.
- Sometimes, scorpion stings cause the throat to swell and there is difficulty in swallowing. Due to this, avoid eating or drinking until the symptoms are minimized.
- Remove all trash, boards, stones, logs and other objects that are good hiding places for scorpions around the home.
- Keep grass regularly mowed, cut overhanging tree branches that can be the path to the roof for scorpions.
- Avoid storing firewood inside the house.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when hiking and camping, and check sleeping bags before sleeping