Scorpion Sting Treatments

Scorpion sting reactions can range from mild to deadly, making immediate treatment vital. More than 13,000 stings are reported each year, however, many are from nonpoisonous scorpions.

Avoid Scorpion Locations

• Scorpions are most common in the wild, meaning those at campsites are at high risk. Check all camping supplies, especially sleeping bags, for signs of scorpions. Because scorpions glow when placed under a UV light, taking a portable light to scan camping materials in the dark may be helpful.

  Scorpions often come into the home seeking insects to eat. If you experience scorpions in your home, contacting an exterminator to eliminate insects and scorpions will be helpful.

Immediate Actions

• If you are stung by a scorpion, a few steps should immediately be taken:
  • Wash the area with soap and water, and remove jewelry, if necessary.
  • Apply cool compresses to slow swelling.
  • Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to relieve pain. (Options such as aspirin and ibuprofen may not be as helpful in this instance.)
  • Avoid cutting open the site of the sting, as this could invite infections.

  If the following symptoms develop, call 911 immediately: numbness or tingling, blurred vision, muscle twitching or uncontrolled eye movements. Young children and the elderly should always be taken for emergency treatment.

Emergency Treatment

• When arriving at the emergency department, treatment frequently depends on the severity of the reaction. An antivenin treatment that neutralizes the scorpion's venom is available; however, it may produce adverse reactions in some patients.

  Other treatments may include extracting tissue or venom from the site of the sting, icing the area to reduce swelling, administering a tetanus shot to prevent further infection and giving the patient muscle relaxants to reduce spasms.

  If the venom begins to affect the heart, certain types of medications, including beta-blockers and alpha-blockers may be administered.