Scorpion Sting

Is this your child's symptom?

• Sting from a scorpion
• Onset of local pain and tingling after a scorpion is seen in the area
• The main symptoms are pain, tingling and numbness at the sting site

Scorpions

• Scorpions look like tiny lobsters in front. In back, they have a long tail with a stinger at the end. It curls up and over their bodies. They have 8 legs, like spiders.
• Venom: The stinger has venom. The venom causes pain and other symptoms when it is shot into the skin.
• Size: average size is 3 inches (7.5 cm). Range in size from 1 - 7 inches (2.5 to 18 cm).
• Scorpions are most active at night. They like dark and moist places.
• There are about 40 types of scorpions in the US.
• All scorpions can sting, causing pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site. Note: Some stings do not inject venom.
• The only US scorpion that can cause serious symptoms is the bark scorpion. See below.
• Children and older adults are more likely to have severe symptoms. People with chronic medical problems are also at higher risk.

Bark Scorpion

• The only US scorpion that can cause serious symptoms is the bark scorpion.
• Color: bark scorpions are yellow-brown (tan) or orange in color.
• Size: 2-3 inches long (5-7.5 cm)
• They are found mostly in Arizona. Also can be found in New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Texas. They also live in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
• Deaths in the US from a scorpion sting are rare.
• Note: Most people cannot tell a bark scorpion from a harmless scorpion. Catching or saving the scorpion to show your doctor is not helpful. Treatment is based on symptoms. Just kill the intruder.

Types of Reactions for Bark Scorpion Stings

• About 85% cause only local symptoms at the sting site.
• About 10% cause painful shock waves in the same arm or leg as the sting.
• Less than 5% cause any serious symptoms.

Mild Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting

• All scorpion stings cause pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site.
• Pain starts right away. The pain can be severe for the first 2 hours. Symptoms around the site start to go away over the next 24 hours.
• There is often no swelling or redness of the sting.
• About 10% of stings also cause waves of tingling. The tingling travels up the stung arm or leg. It feels like an electric shock.
• Most scorpion stings do not need to be seen.

Serious Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting

Most people will not get any serious symptoms. If they do occur, they will start in the first 2-3 hours after the sting. First signs of a serious sting can be muscle twitching or rapid eye movements. Pain, tingling and numbness can also spread to all the arms and legs. Other serious symptoms include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Blurry eyesight
• Roving or jerky eye movements
• Slurred speech
• Muscle twitching

Expert Reviewers:

• Anne-Michelle Ruha, MD, and Min Kang, MD, pediatric toxicologists

When to Call for Scorpion Sting

Care Advice

Scorpion Sting Treatment

1. What You Should Know about Scorpion Stings:
   • The main symptoms are pain, tingling and numbness only in the sting area.
   • Symptoms shouldn't be any worse than a bad bee sting.
   • Sometimes, the arm or leg with the sting gets waves of tingling and pain.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Clean the Sting Site:
   • Wash the sting site well with soap and water.
3. Cold Pack for Pain:
   • For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth.
   • Put it on the sting for 20 minutes.
4. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Use as needed.
5. Treatment of Painful Shock Waves up the Arm or Leg:
   • Until they go away, keep using the pain medicine as needed.
   • Also, try to avoid bumping that arm or leg.
6. What to Expect:
   • Pain at the sting site is usually gone by 24 hours.
   • Shock waves of tingling also gone by 24 hours.
   • Numbness and tingling around the sting may last 2 to 3 days.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Serious symptoms occur
   • Pain, tingling or numbness start on both sides of the body
   • Sting starts to look infected
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

Prevent Scorpion Stings

1. Prevent Scorpion Stings:
   • Do not walk barefoot in the desert, especially at night. Scorpions are most active at night.
   • Check your shoes before you put them on (shake them).
   • Shake out clothes, towels, bedding, and sleeping bags before using.
   • Roll back your sheets at night, before getting into bed.
2. Prevent Scorpions Around Your Home:
   • Clear away any piles of wood or debris that are near the house. Scorpions hide there.
   • Weatherstrip your windows and doors.
   • Place the legs of a baby's crib in wide-mouthed glass jars. Scorpions can't climb glass.
   • Hire a pest control expert for repeated problems.
3. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have more questions

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Scorpion

This image shows the bark scorpion of Arizona.