Scorpion sting

Medium urgency
-Moderately severe

The scorpion is an eight-legged arthropod directly related to spiders. Its main features are two pincers, similar to those of the crab, and a tail with a stinger. When stung, its venom contains neurotoxins that affect the nervous system. Symptoms include severe pain and inflammation at the site of the sting. Children may present with a wider range of symptoms and are at greater risk. The diagnosis is made clinically by questioning and examining the affected area. Treatment is based on the application of ice and anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to administer a specific antidote.

Bibliographic references
  1. LoVecchio F, McBride C. Scorpion envenomations in young children in central Arizona. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2003; 41:937.
  2. Isbister GK, Bawaskar HS. Scorpion envenomation. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:457.
  3. Garcia ML, Hanner M, Kaczorowski GJ. Scorpion toxins: tools for studying K+ channels. Toxicon 1998; 36:1641.
  4. Hutt MJ, Houghton PJ. A survey from the literature of plants used to treat scorpion stings. J Ethnopharmacol 1998; 60:97.
  5. Műller GJ, Modler H, Wium CA, Veale DJH. Scorpion sting in southern Africa: diagnosis and management. CME 2012:30 http://www.cmej.org.za/index.php/cmej/article/view/2545/2580 (Accessed on November 03, 2016).
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Hot sensation around the bite/sting


    Skin changes in the bitten area


    Severe, sudden pain at the sting site


    Swollen limb


    Discomfort in hand radiating to the arm

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Antihistamines in syrup or tablet form for itching.