How to Treat a Scorpion Sting

A scorpion sting can be painful, but doesn't necessarily mean a visit to the hospital. However, symptoms like impaired speech and blurry vision are danger signs and require an immediate trip to the emergency room. If you are uncertain, it is always a good idea to call poison control immediately, check in with your doctor, or head to the hospital. But a simple sting with a little swelling can be treated with a few household items. Follow these guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Soap and water Benadryl Cold compress Poison control number
Soap and water
Benadryl
Cold compress
Poison control number

Step 1

Determine if you can treat the sting yourself. A scorpion sting feels much like being stuck with a straight pin. You will probably experience swelling, redness and numbness around the affected area. You may see a bruise or black area form. However, if the sting results in blurry vision, tingling, involuntary eye movements, impaired speech, difficulty breathing, convulsions or hyperactivity, seek medical attention right away. If you are unsure, visit the nearest hospital to find out if the sting is poisonous. It is a good idea if someone else drives in case you experience blurry vision or shortness of breath.

Step 2

Wash the inured area with soap and warm water if you are treating the sting yourself. If you are hiking in the woods, make sure that the water has been properly filtered and clean. You can also apply a cold compress to the area for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Step 3

Call your doctor to find out if you need a tetanus shot and call the poison control center at (800) 362-0101 to discuss the sting and any immediate dangers. Tell the rep about any possible symptoms you may be experiencing.

Step 4

Elevate your injured limb to heart level if your arm or leg is stung. Keep weight off the area and ensure the sting stays isolated and clean.

Step 5

Take an antihistamine like Benadryl to help prevent extra swelling and itching. Call your doctor or poison control center first and ask about any complications with any other medication that you are currently taking.

Tips & Warnings

Check your tent and clothes while camping or hiking to ensure a scorpion isn't hiding. Be careful when turning over rocks or reaching into dark areas like wet foliage. Pesticides generally don't work on pesticides and a professional exterminator should be called if you see any in your home. Ask a family member or friend to monitor your behavior for symptoms after being stung by a scorpion.

Check your tent and clothes while camping or hiking to ensure a scorpion isn't hiding. Be careful when turning over rocks or reaching into dark areas like wet foliage.

Pesticides generally don't work on pesticides and a professional exterminator should be called if you see any in your home.

Ask a family member or friend to monitor your behavior for symptoms after being stung by a scorpion.

Few people die from fatal scorpions tings. However, elderly people and children could be in danger and should be taken to the emergency room immediately. Pets are also at risk for scorpion stings and should be taken to a vet immediately.

Few people die from fatal scorpions tings. However, elderly people and children could be in danger and should be taken to the emergency room immediately.

Pets are also at risk for scorpion stings and should be taken to a vet immediately.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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