Imagine you are cleaning the yard or going to get some firewood from the woodshed. Suddenly, a thorn pricks your hand, accompanied by unbearable pain. It's a scorpion! It's normal to be scared at a time like this. But if you don't panic and know exactly what to do, you can easily solve this without making it a big problem. Today, we'll talk about a scorpion sting.
First of all, what is a scorpion sting?
Scorpions are eight-legged animals that prefer hot and dry climates. These animals are commonly seen in the dry zones of Sri Lanka. The scorpion has two stingers in front and a flexible tail. You may have noticed that its fang is at the end of this tail. There are two glands that contain venom attached to this fang.
When a scorpion is scared or feels threatened, it stings with this fang to protect itself. This is not, strictly speaking, a "sting" or a "bite."
The good news is that most scorpion stings are not dangerous . Most of the scorpion species found in Sri Lanka are not very venomous. They usually only cause severe pain at the site of the sting. Although there are about 1,500 species of scorpions in the world, only about 30 species are truly dangerous to humans.
What are the signs of a scorpion sting?
A scorpion sting usually causes redness and a little swelling. But sometimes, especially if you're bitten by a scorpion with a particularly strong venom, the symptoms can be more serious. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.
| Characteristic type | Description |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms (most common) |
|
| Dangerous symptoms that require immediate hospitalization | |
| Symptoms related to the nervous system |
|
| Symptoms related to breathing and swallowing | |
| Symptoms related to the heart and blood pressure | |
Most importantly: If you or someone else has any of these dangerous symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) as soon as possible , without delay . This is especially important if a small child has been stung by a scorpion.
What do you do if you get stung by a scorpion?
Okay, now let's see what to do when you're bitten by a scorpion.
First aid you can do at home
In most cases, if there are no dangerous symptoms, this condition can be managed at home.
- Clean: First, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. This can help prevent infection.
- Apply ice: To reduce pain and swelling, wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and apply it for about 10-15 minutes.
- Elevate: If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate the area slightly above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Painkillers: You can take a medicine like Paracetamol for pain. But do not take other painkillers without asking your doctor.
If you have any doubts, you can also call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Treatment received at the hospital
If you go to the hospital because of dangerous symptoms, the doctors will provide the necessary treatment.
- Checking:When the doctor examines you, he will gently tap the painful area with his finger. If the pain suddenly increases, it is easy to confirm that it is a scorpion sting.
- Antivenom: If it is confirmed that you have been bitten by a very dangerous scorpion, doctors will prescribe an antivenom . This can neutralize the effects of the venom and quickly reduce symptoms.
- Other treatments: Other treatments needed for things like breathing difficulties and high blood pressure are also provided at the hospital.
Why is this dangerous for young children?
A scorpion sting can be more dangerous for young children than for adults. This is because children's bodies are smaller, meaning even small amounts of venom can have a significant impact on them. Therefore, if your child is stung by a scorpion, even if they only have mild symptoms, it is safest to take them to the nearest doctor .
How do you stay safe from scorpions?
The best thing to do is not to give scorpions a chance to sting you. Here are some simple tips:
- Work carefully: Wear long-sleeved clothing, pants, shoes, and gloves when working in the garden, hauling firewood, and rolling rocks.
- Check your shoes: Before putting on your shoes or boots, shake them out thoroughly. Scorpions love to hide inside.
- Protect your home: Seal all cracks in your doors, windows, and walls. These are the places where scorpions can enter your home.
- Do not touch with your hands: Never touch a scorpion with your bare hands.
- Shake the bed sheets: It is also a good habit to shake the bed sheets and pillows thoroughly before going to bed.
Take-Home Message
- Most scorpion stings in Sri Lanka are painful, but not life-threatening. Don't worry.
- Wash the bite area with soap, apply ice, and take paracetamol for the pain.
- Be on the lookout for dangerous symptoms such as difficulty breathing, tingling throughout the body, slurred speech, and excessive salivation.
- If you see such a dangerous symptom, especially in a young child, immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Wear protective clothing and shoes when working in the garden and when removing old items. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 How severe is the pain from a scorpion sting? Is it fatal?
A scorpion sting causes severe pain, numbness, and swelling, similar to burning and tingling. The venom of most scorpions in Sri Lanka is not lethal to adults. However, it is very dangerous to young children and the elderly. The venom can affect their nervous system and cause respiratory failure.
💬 Is it really okay to squeeze/eat the blood from the wound after being stung by a scorpion?
Never do that! Those are things that only happen in movies! Cutting the wound, sucking blood from the mouth, or using a tourniquet to prevent it from getting stuck will only make the patient's condition worse (false infections). The main thing to do is to wash the wound with soap, apply ice cubes, and keep the patient still without disturbing him. If you disturb him, blood circulation will increase and the poison will spread throughout the body!
💬 What are the emergency situations where you should immediately go to the hospital without staying at home after being bitten by a scorpion?
Paracetamol can be taken for a common problem. But the biggest danger! 1) If a scorpion stings a child under 5 years of age or a very old person, 2) If excessive saliva is coming out of the mouth, 3) If the eyes are rolling and vision is blurred, and the body is shaking (Seizures/Muscle twitching), 4) If it is difficult to breathe/swallow, the nervous system is being destroyed! You need to go to the hospital immediately!
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