Home Remedy Treatments for Scorpion Stings

There are more than 90 different species of scorpions in the United States, and they don't bite --- they sting. The scorpion is an arachnid, related to the spider, and carries venom in a bulb at the end of its long tail. They are nocturnal, and they live and are commonly found in arid states like Texas and Arizona. A scorpion sting results in pain, itching, swelling or tenderness. Most stings occur on the hands or feet.

Diversity of Scorpions

• There are a at least 1,400 scorpion species worldwide, according to research done by the University of Arizona. They occur in many habitats, including desert, grasslands, mountains and caves. They have even been found under snow-covered rocks in the Himalayas. In terms of physical description, they vary, too. The long-tailed African scorpion reaches just over eight inches long. The largest scorpions in the United States, giant desert hairy scorpions, measure about five inches.

Hunting and Feeding

• Scorpions are extremely sensitive to vibrations, and this is how they detect their prey. They have comb-like organs called pectines on the underside of their body, which allow them to pick up surface and texture vibrations. Their hairy legs also pick up vibrations. They are ambush predators, striking when prey comes into their territory. They feed mainly on spiders, insects, centipedes and other scorpions, though larger scorpions will occasionally take on small lizards, snakes and mice.

Scorpion Venom

• Scorpion venom is a mixture of neurotoxins --- poisons that affect the victim's nervous system --- and other substances. In the past 20 years, there have been no reported U.S. fatalities because of scorpion stings. When death does occur, it's usually caused by a heart attack hours after the sting. It is thought that some people do have scorpion allergies and might go into anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock. In those rare cases, as with bee allergies, injectable epinephrine should be used as quickly as possible.

Home Remedies

• For home remedies to a scorpion sting, wash the wound with soap and water. Apply cold compresses to the area to stop the venom's spread. Stay calm so the poison will spread more slowly. Don't eat or drink, as a sting can cause throat constriction and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Aleve or Motrin might help, but narcotics are a no-no, as they can suppress breathing. A folk remedy is to rub the pulp of the prickly pear cactus over the wound. If your child has been stung, a doctor's visit is important, as children and the elderly tend to be more sensitive to the venom.

The Bark Scorpion

• Despite their bad reputation, only one species in the western United States, the Arizona bark scorpion, can be considered dangerous to humans. Antivenin is available in that state's emergency rooms because some people require emergency treatment after being stung. The bark scorpion's sting causes severe pain, numbness and tingling for 24 to 72 hours. Thousands of people in Arizona are stung every year by this small desert scorpion.