People are generally terrified of scorpions. Thanks to their rather intimidating appearance and the fact movies and TV shows make them out to be fearsome pests, scorpions have a very fierce reputation. People are very afraid of scorpion stings, perhaps even more than bee stings or wasp stings. However, a lot of what people fear regarding scorpions is irrational. Scorpions are not actively seeking to sting people and the vast majority of them do not pose a threat to humans. However, Arizona and North America just happen to home to one of the more venomous scorpions around – the Arizona bark scorpion.
The pain you feel after a scorpion sting is instantaneous and extreme. Any swelling and redness will usually appear within five minutes. More severe symptoms, if they’re going to occur, will come on within the hour.
It’s possible to die from a scorpion sting, though unlikely. There are an estimated 1,500 species of scorpion in the world, and only 30 of these produce venom toxic enough to be fatal. In the United States, there is only one species of venomous scorpion, the bark scorpion.
Can You Die from a Scorpion Sting?
Rarely, a person experiencing a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may develop severe symptoms throughout the body. Severe signs and symptoms of a sting from a scorpion include numbness throughout the body, difficulty swallowing, a thick tongue, blurred vision, roving eye movements, seizures, salivation, and difficulty breathing.
The best way to prevent scorpion stings is to avoid the places where they like to spend time. Warn visitors and family members of potential hiding places, such as junk piles or woodpiles. Anyone who works in an area with piles of logs should wear gloves.
Symptoms of a scorpion sting may include:
Intense immediate pain lasting from minutes to 24 hours.
Swelling, itching, and a change in skin colour.
Nausea and vomiting.
Anxiety, drowsiness, and fainting.
Increased saliva, tears, and sweat.
Numbness of the tongue.
Vision problems.
Trouble breathing.
Stay Calm: Panicking can increase your heart rate, which can spread the venom more quickly through your body. Take deep breaths to stay calm.
Clean the Area: Wash the sting site with soap and water to prevent infection.
Apply Cold Compress: Use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Elevate the Area: If possible, elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling.
Seek Medical Help: Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s wise to seek medical attention, especially if you’re unsure of the scorpion species or if the person stung is a child, elderly, or has underlying health conditions.
Identify the Scorpion: If you can safely capture or observe the scorpion without putting yourself at risk, do so. Knowing the species can help medical professionals determine the appropriate treatment.
Remember, prevention is key. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home where scorpions could enter, shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on, and be cautious when reaching into dark, enclosed spaces. If you live in an area with venomous scorpions, it’s wise to educate yourself on local species and their habitats to better avoid encounters.