Scorpion Stings – Is it Dangerous?

A scorpion is an eight-legged animal that has a long, arching tail with a stinger on the end and two pincers in front.

Scorpions are active at night. During the day, they hide in dark, moist places. They often hide under rocks, wood, and anything else lying on the ground.

Stings from most types of scorpions can be very painful, but not dangerous. Sting symptoms usually go away after about 48 hours.

However, some stings from specific species of scorpions can be life-threatening. It is important to get treatment for a scorpion sting to avoid serious problems.

What are the causes?

You might get stung when you come close to a scorpion in its hiding place. If a scorpion becomes trapped in your house, it is also possible to get stung while you are sleeping.

What increases the risk?

You are at greater risk for a scorpion sting if you live in an area where scorpions are common, and you:

• Work outdoors, especially if you do landscaping or construction.
• Move rocks, wood, or anything else lying on the ground outside.
• Do not wear protective clothing.
• Do not shake out shoes or boots before putting them on.
• Are outdoors at night. This is when scorpions are most active.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of a scorpion sting may include:

• Sharp pain, stinging, burning, and slight swelling at the sting site.
• A visible mark at the sting site.
• Abdominal pain and cramping.
• Nausea.
• Sudden muscle tightening that you cannot control (muscle spasms).
• Restlessness.
• Feeling as if your tongue is thick.
• Drooling.
• Heavy sweating.
• Having trouble:
  • Speaking clearly.
  • Walking.
  • Breathing.

Symptoms may be more severe if you are very young or very old.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• How your injury happened. Knowing what kind of scorpion stung you may help your health care provider determine the best treatment. It also helps if you can describe or are able to safely take a photo of the scorpion that stung you.
• Your symptoms.
• A physical exam.

How is this treated?

In many cases, this condition may be treated at home with basic first aid.

In more serious cases, your health care provider may clean your sting site and cover it with a bandage (dressing). Sometimes medicine is necessary. If this is the case, you may be given:

• Medicines to help relieve pain.
• Epinephrine. This is a shot (injection) that relieves hives, swelling, and other allergy symptoms.
• Antivenom (antivenin) to inactivate the scorpion’s venom.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Apply a cool, wet cloth (cool compress) to the sting site as directed by your health care provider.
• If possible, raise (elevate) the affected area above the level of your heart when sitting or lying down.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your sting. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your dressing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
  • Gently clean the sting site with soap and water when you bathe.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Be careful when camping or doing other outdoor activities. Regularly check to make sure there are no scorpions in your clothes, shoes, or sleeping bags.
• Use a black light to check for scorpions. Scorpions glow brightly under UV light.
• Do not try to remove or handle a scorpion on your own. If you think there are scorpions in your home, call a professional exterminator.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms get worse instead of better.

Get help right away if:

• You are unable to move (paralyzed).
• You have muscle spasms.
• You have loss of coordination.
• You have problems breathing, talking, or swallowing.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• A scorpion is an eight-legged animal that has a long, arching tail with a stinger on the end and two pincers in front.
• Stings from most types of scorpions are not dangerous, but stings from some specific species of scorpions can be life-threatening. Get treatment for a scorpion sting to avoid serious problems.
• Regularly check to make sure there are no scorpions in your clothes, shoes, or sleeping bags when going camping or doing outdoor activities.