Photo from punchng.com
Scorpion stings are painful but seldom fatal. Young children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to significant consequences.
The bark scorpion, located primarily in the desert Southwest of the United States, is the only scorpion species with venom powerful enough to induce serious symptoms. Only around 30 of the estimated 1,500 scorpion species worldwide produce venom that is poisonous enough to be lethal. However, with over a million scorpion stings occurring each year, deaths from these stings are a substantial public health hazard in places with inadequate access to medical care.
Most scorpion stings do not require treatment in healthy persons. A scorpion sting, on the other hand, can have catastrophic consequences in young children.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCORPION STING?
A scorpion sting may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain that can be excruciating
- Tingling and numbness
- Slight enlargement
- Warmth
Signs and symptoms of extensive (systemic) venom effects in children who have been stung may include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Drooling
- Sweating
- Vomiting and nausea
- twitching or thrashing of muscles
- Unusual motions of the head, neck, and eyes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Restlessness or overactivity, or inconsolable crying in children
People who have previously been stung by scorpions may develop allergic reactions to subsequent stings, like with other stinging insects such as bees and wasps. Reactions to these successive stings can occasionally be severe enough to develop anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal illness. In some circumstances, the signs and symptoms are similar to those of anaphylaxis produced by bee stings, and might include hives, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SCORPION STING?
The stinger in a scorpion's tail causes a scorpion sting. The stinger of a scorpion can emit venom when it stings. The venom comprises a complex cocktail of poisons that have an effect on the neurological system (neurotoxins).
Scorpions are arthropods, which means they are related to insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Bark scorpions have a body length of about 2 inches (5 cm). Scorpions have eight legs, a pair of lobster-like pinchers, and a curving tail. Scorpions are nocturnal insects that will not sting unless they are provoked or assaulted.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR SCORPION STING?
Certain actions can enhance your chances of being stung by a scorpion:
- Living in a scorpion-infested area: Scorpions are found largely in the desert Southwest of the United States, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California. They are most common in Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East, and India.
- Working, hiking, or camping in scorpion-infested areas: Bark scorpions reside behind rocks, logs, and tree bark, thus the name. You're more likely to come upon one while working outside, trekking, or camping.
- Traveling to scorpion-infested areas: When traveling in certain places of the world, you are more likely to come across more hazardous scorpions. Scorpions can hide in clothing, luggage, and shipping containers, so you might bring them home with you.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SCORPION STING?
Untreated poisonous scorpion stings are most likely to kill the elderly and children. The most common cause is heart or respiratory failure, which occurs several hours after the sting. In the United States, there have been very few reports of scorpion sting deaths.
A strong allergic reaction is another unusual effect of scorpion stings (anaphylaxis).
HOW IS SCORPION STING DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor usually only requires your history and symptoms to make a diagnosis. If your symptoms are severe, you may be subjected to blood or imaging tests to determine the impact of the venom on your liver, heart, lungs, and other organs.
HOW CAN SCORPION STING BE TREATED?
Most scorpion bites do not necessitate medical attention. However, if your symptoms are severe, you may require hospitalization. To relieve pain, medicines may be administered intravenously (through a vein).
To avoid the development of symptoms, children may be administered scorpion antivenom. Adults suffering with severe symptoms may also be given antivenom.
HOME REMEDIES FOR SCORPION STING
If you or your child is stung by a scorpion, follow the instructions below. Healthy individuals may not require additional care, and the following advice can help keep youngsters safe until they see a doctor:
- Use mild soap and water to clean the wound.
- Apply an ice pack to the affected region. This may help to alleviate pain.
- If you're experiencing trouble swallowing, don't eat or drink anything.
- As needed, take an over-the-counter pain medication. To alleviate discomfort, you could try ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Children's Motrin, and others).
Check your or your child's vaccination records to ensure that a tetanus vaccine is current.