OVERVIEW

What is a sting?

Some insects carry venomous stingers that penetrate the skin and cause reactions (redness, itching, hives). Sometimes venom may be injected through the stinger, which can lead to more severe reactions (burning pain, tissue necrosis, systemic poisoning, shock, or death).

Do scorpions actively sting humans?

Scorpions generally do not attack humans proactively. Sometimes, human activities may unintentionally disturb scorpions, leading them to sting.

Which department should you visit for a scorpion sting?

Seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.

SYMPTOMS

What are the manifestations after a scorpion sting?

First, there is severe local pain and a burning sensation.

The wound may show redness, swelling, blisters, bruising, or skin necrosis. Some may develop lymphadenitis or lymphangitis.

Others may experience dizziness, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, shortness of breath, cyanosis, excessive sweating, laryngeal edema, difficulty swallowing, low blood pressure, convulsions, pulmonary edema, confusion, or respiratory paralysis.

What are the most common fatal causes when a scorpion sting occurs in children?

Children stung by scorpions often rapidly develop severe systemic reactions, which can frequently lead to respiratory and circulatory failure and death.

CAUSES

How do scorpions sting?

Scorpions have stingers at the end of their tails, connected to venom glands inside their bodies through ducts. When stinging, they pierce the skin with their stingers and inject venom.

DIAGNOSIS

How is scorpion sting diagnosed?

If sudden severe pain occurs from an insect bite in dark, damp areas or at night, accompanied by obvious skin redness/swelling or systemic poisoning symptoms, scorpion sting should be considered. Finding the insect confirms diagnosis.

TREATMENT

How to Treat a Scorpion Sting?

Immediately tie a cloth strip tightly around the limb near the heart side of the sting site. For example, if stung on the palm, tie it around the wrist. This helps reduce toxin spread. The tightness should allow two fingers to fit underneath. Loosen it for 10–15 minutes every hour, as excessive tightness or prolonged constriction may lead to limb ischemia or necrosis.

Then, use a tool (such as cupping) to extract the venom. Applying a 5% baking soda solution to the wound can neutralize the venom and relieve pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is unbearable. If symptoms like severe muscle spasms, abnormal eye movements, slurred speech, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, or vomiting occur, antivenom may be required (administered in an emergency setting).

Difficulty breathing may require intubation or even a tracheotomy. Low blood pressure should be treated with vasopressors or other emergency measures.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

Is applying urine or liquor useful after a scorpion sting?

The composition of urine varies among individuals, so it should not be randomly applied after a sting. While medical alcohol can disinfect, liquor does not serve the same purpose. If no better medication is available, a moderate amount of liquor can be applied.

PREVENTION

How to Prevent Scorpion Stings?

Maintain household hygiene, keep indoor areas clean and tidy, and regularly use insect repellents. When working or traveling outdoors, avoid wearing overly exposed clothing. Opt for long sleeves, fasten cuffs and pant legs, wear gloves, and carry first-aid medicine if necessary. Avoid staying in dark, damp places for extended periods.