The CDC recommend that adults take the following steps if a scorpion stings them:. For example, they recommend self-care if mild symptoms — such as pain, numbness, or tingling — occur only around the site of the sting. They may also want to call a doctor if skin flushing starts to spread after 24 hours from the sting.
According to Poison Control , those with the highest risk of developing severe symptoms are young children. A article adds that older adults are also at risk of developing severe symptoms.
Treatment varies based on the species of scorpion that stung the person. However, if in doubt, a person should seek medical care as soon as possible. For mild symptoms, such as pain and numbness at the site of the sting, a person may not need much care. They may wish to perform self-care that involves:. The Food and Drug Administration FDA suggest elevating the affected body part so that it is at the same level as the heart. However, if a more dangerous species — such as a bark scorpion — stings a person, treatment will vary depending on the severity of sting:.
This means that pain, swelling, and other symptoms are limited to the area of the sting. This only requires pain management. There is pain and some paralysis at or near the site and closer to where the limb connects to the body.
This can include all the symptoms of grade 2, alongside flailing limbs and an arching back skeletal neuromuscular dysfunction or increased saliva production, blurry vision, and rapid movement of the tongue cranial nerve issues. A person will experience both skeletal neuromuscular dysfunction and cranial nerve issues, as well as organ failure, hyperthermia, or pulmonary edema.
Antivenom is critical for people experiencing these symptoms. However, according to Poison Control , many hospitals do not stock the antivenom, and it can be very expensive. For most stings, symptoms will consist of mostly local reactions to the sting. Catching or saving the scorpion to show your doctor is not helpful. Treatment is based on symptoms. Just kill the intruder. Mild Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting All scorpion stings cause pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site. Pain starts right away.
The pain can be severe for the first 2 hours. Symptoms around the site start to go away over the next 24 hours. There is often no swelling or redness of the sting. The tingling travels up the stung arm or leg. It feels like an electric shock. Most scorpion stings do not need to be seen. Serious Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting Most people will not get any serious symptoms.
Bellevue Everett Federal Way Seattle. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine Benadryl or loratadine Claritin. Put hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion on the skin. Don't scratch or rub the skin around the area. For example, call if: You passed out lost consciousness. You have a seizure. You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have signs of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the bite or sting. Red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the area. A fever. Scorpions glow under a black light, so you might want to use one at night to inspect your surroundings.
If you find a scorpion, use tongs to gently move it away from people. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Bark scorpion Open pop-up dialog box Close. Bark scorpion The bark scorpion is commonly found in the desert of the southwestern United States.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lovecchio F. Accessed July 31, Auerbach PS, et al. Scorpion envenomation.
In: Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine.
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