Scorpion Stings
Information for Treating Scorpion Stings
Thousands of people a year suffer from scorpion stings, and although the sting can be very painful or uncomfortable, these stings are normally not very dangerous. In the United States there are approximately 90 different species of scorpions, though the only species that has venom that could potentially cause severe symptoms is the Bark Scorpion. These scorpions are normally found in the southwest desert areas of the United States, such as Arizona and New Mexico.
In other regions of the world there are species of scorpions with venom potent enough to cause harm, including death. If you live in the United States and are an adult, it is not likely that you will need treatment for scorpion stings; these stings are most dangerous to the elderly and children, though they can also be dangerous for pets.
In most cases scorpion stings will only cause some minor symptoms, such as pain and a feeling of heat in the area of the sting. Due to the fact that the Bark Scorpion is more lethal, the symptoms are more severe. Children that are stung by the Bark Scorpion may experience life-threatening symptoms.
Some of the symptoms to look for in children that have been stung by the Bark scorpion include, pain, tingling, and numbness in the area of the sting, muscle twitching, as well as any unusual head and eye movements. The child may also display symptoms such as drooling, sweating, or will cry and become over excitable.
The symptoms that an adult may experience with Bark scorpion stings include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and problems with breathing, weakness and muscle twitching.
It is best to seek medical treatment whenever a scorpion stings a child; due to the fact that scorpion stings in adults are not usually serious, an adult will not need to seek medical treatment unless the symptoms worsen, or there are new symptoms. If a scorpion stings you while you are traveling in another country, you will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially for children.
Around the world there are over 1,400 different species of scorpions, but only a couple dozen of these species have dangerous venom. The most dangerous scorpions are native to the Middle East, Mexico, South America, and Africa. The scorpion’s stinger is on its tail, which they flip over their head when they sting. Scorpion venom contains toxins that will affect the nervous system.
People are most at risk for scorpion stings during the spring and summer, especially when nighttime temperatures are about 70F. In the United States the Bark scorpion is the most dangerous; they can be found under rocks and logs, but they are also commonly found in houses, such as in the bed linen, garbage pails, shoes, etc.
There is a danger of encountering scorpions when you travel, plus you may potentially carry them back with you, as they have been known to hide in people’s luggage and clothes.
If someone has an allergic reaction to scorpion stings, it cold be life threatening. The symptoms will include difficulty breathing, and vomiting. The most vulnerable to scorpion stings are the elderly and children; when there is a death attributed to a scorpion sting, it is often due to respiratory or heart failure, which will occur a few hours after the sting.
Those at risk should seek medical attention as soon as possible, or if you begin to have problems with breathing, or vomiting.