Snake Bite Information

Snakes may be poisonous (venomous) or nonpoisonous (nonvenomous). A bite from a nonvenomous snake may cause a wound to the skin and possibly to the deeper tissues beneath the skin. A venomous snake will cause a wound and may also inject poison (venom) into the wound.

The effects of snake venom vary depending on the type of snake. In some cases, the effects can be extremely serious or even deadly. A bite from a venomous snake is a medical emergency. Treatment may require the use of antivenom medicine.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of a snake bite vary depending on the type of snake, whether the snake is venomous, and the severity of the bite. Symptoms for both a venomous or nonvenomous snake may include:

• Pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite.
• Skin discoloration at the site of the bite.
• A feeling of nervousness.

Symptoms of a venomous snake bite may also include:

• Increasing pain and swelling.
• Severe anxiety or confusion.
• Blood blisters or purple spots in the bite area.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Muscle weakness.
• Excessive fatigue or drowsiness.
• Excessive sweating.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Blurred vision.
• Bruising and bleeding at the site of the bite.
• Feeling faint or light-headed.

In some cases, symptoms do not develop until a few hours after the bite.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. Your health care provider will examine the bite area and ask for details about the snake to help determine whether it is venomous. You may also have tests, including blood tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the bite and whether the snake is venomous.

• Treatment for nonvenomous snake bites may involve basic wound care. This often includes cleaning the wound and applying a bandage (dressing). In some cases, antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot may be given.
• Treatment for venomous snake bites may include antivenom medicine in addition to wound care. This medicine needs to be given as soon as possible after the bite. Other treatments may be needed to help control symptoms as they develop. You may need to stay in a hospital so your condition can be monitored.

Follow these instructions at home:

Wound care

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound. 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.
• Keep the bite area clean and dry. Wash the bite area daily with soap and water or an antiseptic as told by your health care provider.
• Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Watch for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain that is getting worse.
  • Fluid, blood, or pus.
• If you develop blistering at the site of the bite, protect the blisters from breaking. Do not attempt to open a blister.

Medicines

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take or apply it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.

General instructions

• Keep the affected area raised (elevated) above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down, if possible.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have increased redness, swelling, or pain at the site of your wound.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your wound.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You develop blood blisters or purple spots in the bite area.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• You have numbness or tingling.
• You have excessive sweating.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have vision problems.
• You feel very confused.
• You feel faint or light-headed.