How is a scorpion sting diagnosed. What are the symptoms of a venomous scorpion sting. Which scorpion species in North America are most dangerous. How are scorpion stings treated. When should antivenom be administered for scorpion stings. What preventive measures can be taken against scorpion stings.

Understanding Scorpion Stings: Types and Symptoms

Scorpion stings are a common concern in many parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. While most scorpion species in North America are relatively harmless, some can cause serious health issues. It’s crucial to understand the different types of scorpion stings and their associated symptoms to ensure proper treatment.

Common Symptoms of Non-Venomous Scorpion Stings

The majority of scorpion stings in North America result in mild symptoms, including:

• Localized pain at the sting site
• Minimal swelling
• Lymphangitis (inflammation of lymph vessels)
• Regional lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
• Increased skin temperature around the wound
• Tenderness in the affected area

These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few hours to days, depending on the individual’s reaction and the specific scorpion species involved.

Dangerous Scorpion Species in North America

While most scorpions in North America are not life-threatening, there is one notable exception: the bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, also known as C. exilicauda). This venomous species is found primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and along the California side of the Colorado River.

Are bark scorpion stings always severe? Not necessarily, but they have the potential to cause more serious symptoms, especially in children and vulnerable individuals. The initial symptoms of a bark scorpion sting include:

• Immediate pain at the sting site
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area
• Minimal or no swelling
• Few visible skin changes

Recognizing Severe Scorpion Sting Symptoms

In cases of venomous scorpion stings, particularly those from the bark scorpion, more serious symptoms may develop. These symptoms can vary between children and adults.

Severe Symptoms in Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of venomous scorpion stings. Severe symptoms in children may include:

• Restlessness
• Muscle spasms
• Abnormal and random head, neck, and eye movements
• Anxiety and agitation
• Sialorrhea (excessive salivation)
• Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)

Severe Symptoms in Adults

In adults, the severe symptoms of a venomous scorpion sting may manifest differently:

• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Increased respiratory rate
• Weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Fasciculations (muscle twitches)

Do scorpion stings cause respiratory difficulties? While rare, respiratory problems can occur in both children and adults following a venomous scorpion sting. This is one of the reasons why prompt medical attention is crucial in suspected cases of venomous stings.

Diagnosing Scorpion Stings: Challenges and Approaches

Diagnosing a scorpion sting is typically straightforward based on the patient’s history. However, determining the exact species of scorpion responsible for the sting can be challenging. This identification is crucial for assessing the potential severity of the sting and determining the appropriate treatment.

Challenges in Scorpion Species Identification

Several factors complicate the process of identifying the scorpion species responsible for a sting:

• Many scorpion species look similar, making visual identification difficult
• Exotic pet scorpions may be mistaken for more dangerous species
• Patients or pet owners may not know the exact species of their scorpion
• Some scorpions have misleading names that suggest higher toxicity than they actually possess

Given these challenges, how should healthcare providers approach scorpion sting cases? It’s recommended to treat all scorpion stings as potentially dangerous until clinical signs indicate otherwise. This cautious approach ensures that patients receive appropriate care, especially in cases where the scorpion species cannot be definitively identified.

Treatment Approaches for Scorpion Stings

The treatment of scorpion stings varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the suspected species involved. Let’s explore the different treatment approaches for both non-venomous and venomous scorpion stings.

Treating Non-Venomous Scorpion Stings

For most scorpion stings in North America, which are typically non-venomous, treatment is primarily symptomatic. The following measures can help alleviate discomfort:

• Applying an ice pack to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling
• Administering oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Cleaning the wound site to prevent infection
• Monitoring for any signs of allergic reaction or worsening symptoms

Managing Venomous Centruroides Stings

For stings from venomous scorpions like the bark scorpion (Centruroides species), more intensive treatment may be necessary:

1. Bed rest to minimize the spread of venom
2. Administration of benzodiazepines to control muscle spasms
3. Intravenous medications to manage hypertension, agitation, and pain
4. Withholding oral intake for 8 to 12 hours after the sting
5. Monitoring vital signs and symptoms closely

In severe cases, particularly those involving children or patients with intense symptoms, antivenom specific to Centruroides may be administered. This antivenom can significantly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

Antivenom Administration for Scorpion Stings

Antivenom plays a crucial role in treating severe scorpion stings, particularly those caused by the bark scorpion. But when exactly should antivenom be administered?

Indications for Antivenom Use

Antivenom specific to Centruroides scorpions is available in the United States and should be considered in the following situations:

• Patients exhibiting severe symptoms
• Cases unresponsive to supportive care
• Children with significant systemic effects
• Adults with life-threatening complications

How can healthcare providers access antivenom information? Information about the availability and dosing of scorpion antivenom can be obtained by contacting a regional poison center at 1-800-222-1222. These centers provide expert guidance on managing scorpion stings and can assist in coordinating antivenom delivery if necessary.

Considerations for Non-Native Scorpion Stings

For serious stings by scorpions not native to North America, additional treatments may be necessary:

• Prazosin may be administered to prevent pulmonary edema due to extreme hypertension
• Opioids might be indicated for severe pain control
• Specific antivenoms may be required, depending on the scorpion species involved

Prevention and Safety Measures Against Scorpion Stings

While treatment options are available, prevention remains the best approach to dealing with scorpion stings. Implementing certain safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of encountering scorpions and getting stung.

Household Prevention Strategies

To minimize the risk of scorpion encounters in and around your home, consider the following preventive measures:

• Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations
• Install weatherstripping around doors and windows
• Keep your yard free of debris, woodpiles, and thick vegetation
• Use outdoor lighting that doesn’t attract insects (scorpions’ primary food source)
• Consider using natural scorpion repellents like lavender or cedarwood oil

Personal Protection Measures

When in scorpion-prone areas, take these precautions to reduce your risk of being stung:

• Wear closed-toe shoes, especially at night
• Shake out shoes and clothing before wearing them
• Use a flashlight when walking outside at night
• Avoid placing hands or feet in areas you can’t see clearly
• Use gloves when working in the garden or moving outdoor objects

By implementing these preventive strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering scorpions and experiencing a potentially dangerous sting.

Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care

While most scorpion stings resolve without long-term complications, proper follow-up care is essential to ensure complete recovery and prevent potential secondary issues.

Tetanus Prophylaxis

One crucial aspect of long-term management following a scorpion sting is tetanus prophylaxis. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can enter the body through wounds, including scorpion stings. Healthcare providers should assess the patient’s tetanus immunization status and administer tetanus prophylaxis as needed, following standard guidelines for wound care.

Monitoring for Delayed Reactions

While rare, some individuals may experience delayed reactions or complications following a scorpion sting. Patients should be advised to monitor for the following symptoms in the days and weeks following a sting:

• Persistent or worsening pain at the sting site
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
• Unexplained muscle weakness or numbness
• Allergic reactions, which may develop even after initial treatment

If any of these symptoms occur, patients should seek immediate medical attention.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of scorpion sting treatment is continually evolving, with researchers exploring new approaches to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe reactions.

Advancements in Antivenom Development

Current research is focused on developing more effective and safer antivenoms. Some areas of investigation include:

• Creating antivenoms with fewer side effects
• Developing broader-spectrum antivenoms effective against multiple scorpion species
• Exploring plant-based compounds that may neutralize scorpion venom

Novel Treatment Approaches

Scientists are also exploring innovative treatment strategies that go beyond traditional antivenom therapy:

• Investigating the use of nanoparticles to deliver anti-venom compounds more effectively
• Researching gene therapy approaches to enhance the body’s natural defenses against scorpion venom
• Exploring the potential of synthetic peptides to neutralize specific venom components

These emerging research areas hold promise for improving the treatment of scorpion stings in the future, potentially leading to more targeted and effective therapies.

As our understanding of scorpion venom and its effects on the human body continues to grow, we can expect to see advancements in both prevention and treatment strategies. This ongoing research not only benefits those living in scorpion-prone areas but also contributes to our broader understanding of toxicology and emergency medicine.

Scorpion Stings – Injuries; Poisoning

By

Robert A. Barish

, MD, MBA, University of Illinois at Chicago;

Thomas Arnold

, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022

View Patient Education

Topic Resources

Although all scorpions in North America sting, most are relatively harmless. The stings usually cause only localized pain with minimal swelling, some lymphangitis with regional lymphadenopathy, increased skin temperature, and tenderness around the wound.

A significant exception in North America is the bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, also known as C. exilicauda), present in Arizona, in New Mexico, and on the California side of the Colorado River. This species is venomous and can cause more serious injury and illness.

Initial symptoms are immediate pain and sometimes numbness or tingling over the involved part. Swelling is usually absent, and there are few skin changes. Serious symptoms, most common among children, include

• Restlessness

• Muscle spasms

• Abnormal and random head, neck, and eye movements

• Anxiety and agitation

• Sialorrhea and diaphoresis

In adults, tachycardia, hypertension, increased respirations, weakness, muscle spasms, and fasciculations may predominate. Respiratory difficulties are rare in both age groups.

C. sculpturatus stings have resulted in death in children &lt 6 years and in hypersensitive people.

• Clinical evaluation

Diagnosis of a scorpion sting is obvious from the history. Determining the scorpion species is usually not. Several species of scorpions kept as exotic pets in the US (known by names that falsely suggest toxicity, such as yellow death stalker and black death scorpion) are similar in appearance to foreign species with dangerously toxic venom. However, the actual species of pet scorpion is seldom known by the patient or, if provided, may be unreliable. Stings should be treated as potentially dangerous until signs or lack of signs indicates otherwise.

Treatment of nonvenomous scorpion stings is based on symptoms. An ice pack over the wound and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain. Treatment of venomous Centruroides stings consists of bed rest, benzodiazepines for muscle spasms, and IV drugs as needed to control hypertension, agitation, and pain. Patients should take nothing by mouth for 8 to 12 hours after the bite. For serious stings by scorpions not native to North America, prazosin may help prevent pulmonary edema due to extreme hypertension, and opioids may be indicated for pain control.

An antivenom that is specific for Centruroides is available in the US and should be given to all patients with severe symptoms and to patients who are unresponsive to supportive care, particularly children. Information about availability and dosing may be obtained by contacting a regional poison center (1-800-222-1222).

Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ).

NOTE:


This is the Professional Version.


CONSUMERS:



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Ethnomedicines for the treatment of scorpion stings: A perspective study

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Review

. 2023 Apr 6;305:116078.

doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116078.

Epub 2022 Dec 23.

Susmita Nath 
¹
, Ashis K Mukherjee 
²

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Gaziabad, India. Electronic address: [email protected].
• ² Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; On Deputation from Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India. Electronic address: [email protected].

• PMID:

  36567038

• DOI:

  10.1016/j.jep.2022.116078

Review

Susmita Nath et al.

J Ethnopharmacol.

2023.

. 2023 Apr 6;305:116078.

doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116078.

Epub 2022 Dec 23.

Authors

Susmita Nath 
¹
, Ashis K Mukherjee 
²

Affiliations

• ¹ Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Gaziabad, India. Electronic address: [email protected].
• ² Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; On Deputation from Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India. Electronic address: [email protected].

• PMID:

  36567038

• DOI:

  10.1016/j.jep.2022.116078

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance:

Scorpion sting is a public health concern with limited clinical symptomatic treatment. The clinical treatment uses anti-scorpion antivenom and prazosin (α-adrenergic inhibitor), often in combination with insulin, to reduce scorpion venom-induced hyperglycemia and other complications. However, these therapies also possess some limitations, necessitating urgent exploration of ethnomedicines, mainly traditional medicinal plants, to treat scorpion stings. Unfortunately, several conventional treatments are not scientifically validated, thus raising questions about their quality and utility. Therefore, pharmacological re-assessment of such medicinal plants to alleviate scorpion stings’ complications is essential.

Aim of the study:

The principal objectives of this study are to provide a brief overview of medically important scorpions of the world, outline the extant traditional practices, and comprehensively review plants used in conventional ethnic medicines to treat scorpion stings over time. Modern technological advances in identifying and characterizing plant bioactive molecules are also mentioned in this review.

Materials and methods:

The traditionally used medicinal plants against scorpion stings were reviewed from the available literature in the database. The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/) was used to validate the scientific names of the plants mentioned in this study. The search targeted literature on conventional treatments and crude plant extracts or their bioactive components with proven neutralization capacity against scorpion stings. Search words used were ‘scorpion sting,’ ‘treatment for a scorpion sting,’ ‘antivenom and scorpion sting,’ ‘traditional treatment for scorpion stings, and ‘natural compounds against scorpion stings’.

Results:

A list of more than 200 medicinal plants traditionally used in several countries for treating scorpion stings is presented in this review. Though some myth-based remedies are practiced to treat scorpion stings, no empirical evidence exists to validate this aspect of traditional knowledge. Only 38 traditional medicinal plant extracts have been tested under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions to determine their neutralization potency of scorpion envenomation. Although a few bioactive plant constituents showing scorpion venom neutralization potency have been characterized, they are not yet commercially available for clinical application.

Conclusions:

There is tremendous potential locked in medicinal plants’ traditional knowledge for scorpion envenomation treatment. Translating this knowledge into the clinical application will require pharmacological reassessment, in tandem with isolation and characterization of active compounds to prove their prophylactic prowess. Almost equally important would be the formulation of stringent strategies to conserve such medicinal plants from overexploitation.

Keywords:

Herbal medicine; Scorpion sting; Therapy against scorpion sting; Traditional knowledge.

Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conflict of interest statement

w3.org/1999/xlink” xmlns:mml=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML” xmlns:p1=”http://pubmed.gov/pub-one”>Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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How to protect yourself from snakes, poisonous spiders and scorpions. First aid for bites of snakes, spiders and scorpions

We are surrounded by dozens of species of creeping reptiles: poisonous and safe for humans, water and land, small and huge. Some prefer to live in tall grass, others build nests in basements, and others hide in rocks or forests.

In areas with a hot climate, snakes lead, as a rule, a twilight lifestyle, and during the day they hide from the direct rays of the sun in rock crevices, rodent burrows, and abandoned adobe buildings. 99% of snakes hunt only live game and are very difficult to lure.

Most often, snakes bite during the field work season: early summer, grain harvesting, during haymaking, during the cotton harvest.

They pose a danger to tourists and vacationers who travel to the mountains during the inspection of rock crevices, heaps of stones where snakes hide from the heat of the day. Snake bites are also possible during overnight stays by the fire, where they sometimes crawl, attracted by light and warmth.

Don’t kill snakes unnecessarily . Only one in ten snake species on the planet is venomous. All other creatures bring only indirect harm to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem. Many articles have been written about the benefits of snakes for agriculture and wildlife. So it’s better to deal with them peacefully, and not turn into flayers.

The use of traps and repellents does not exempt you from preventive measures. All of them work on a simple principle: you just need to deprive snakes of space for life and reproduction.

10 important facts about venomous and non-venomous snakes to keep them away from your home

Snakes are dangerous to your pets. They eat ornamental fish, frogs, and even small kittens.

Do not lean towards the snake. Theoretically, a snake cannot jump to the head of a person standing in full growth. But it is a bite in the face that is most dangerous in poisonous and even non-venomous species of snakes (they can leave a scar). So when “hunting” for them, do not bend down and keep your distance.

Snakes are useful for vegetable gardens and orchards. They eat mice, slugs and harmful insects. As a rule, this benefits your mini-farm.

These are seasonal animals. Despite their love of warmth, many snakes become lethargic in the heat. They even go into “summer hibernation”. A similar picture occurs in the cold season. The snakes are most active during the breeding season (spring – early summer) and just in the warm season. Another interesting feature: in the warm season, snakes crawl into the shade, and after the cold, on the contrary, crawl out into the sun. Therefore, they can often be found “basking” on asphalt roads.

Snakes are kings of fasting, they can safely survive several weeks of hunger. And even the smallest prey is enough for them for a long time. These are not the most greedy animals.

They smell with their tongues. Hence the low effectiveness of “aromatic repellents”, i.e. snake repellents.

Urbanization drives them to people. The snakes themselves are not happy with the neighborhood of
with people. They are afraid of lawn mowers and dogs, cars and the vibration of the earth. But man cuts down forests, develops steppes and other habitats. So the reptiles have to look for food and shelter in other places.

Snakes can’t hear anything. They perceive sounds through the vibration of the earth. So the reptiles still feel the steps of a person walking next to them.

Snakes are travelers. If there is no snake infestation in your area, this does not mean that they will not come here in a year. Reptiles travel long distances in search of food, water and “friends”.

Are there effective snake repellants?

We are used to buying repellents to control rodents, insects and other pests. After all, it’s great when you have the opportunity to create a liquid or dry barrier that will repel, but not cripple a living being. I would like to know how to scare away a snake, but everything is not so simple. Even official government sources contradict each other when it comes to the effectiveness of repellents. However, they all agree on one thing: there is no universal repellent against all types of snakes.

Chemical snake repellants with mothballs and sulfur

Sulfur is not often used on its own against snakes. More often it is mixed with naphthalene. We can confidently write one thing about this mixture: it stinks strongly and is easily washed off by rain. Perhaps a certain concentration of the two ingredients could affect the snakes. There is evidence of “limited effectiveness” of a number of registered drugs based on naphthalene and sulfur. This is confirmed by the fact that a number of repellents “sulfur + naphthalene” still received a state license. They work best with rattlesnakes and checkered garters.

Snake repellants can be used to repel snakes, which include fox urine, smoke from smoking, diesel fuel and a mixture of naphthalene with cat litter, lime and pepper-based sprays. But some scientists argue that all these remedies are ineffective. And experts also call diesel fuel very harmful to the environment. Although some researchers from America talk about its restrictive effect on rattlesnakes.

Some scientists make the radical claim that all chemical repellants are ineffective against snakes. Perhaps this is due to the olfactory system of reptiles, because snakes smell with the help of a forked tongue. So, at a distance, aromas do not scare them away! Yes, and with physical contact, she will feel it only if she touches the ground with her tongue.

What you definitely shouldn’t buy are products that position themselves as universal: they are like spiders, snakes, and rats.

But still, popular snake repellents – powders and granules based on sulfur and naphthalene – are of some interest. Expert opinion is divided on them, so let’s consider them as potential snake repellers.

Measures of physical control of snakes may be more effective. They say that the best means of protection against creeping reptiles is a solid fence dug into the ground.

The following is a universal recipe for making a fence:

“ Make a fence with galvanized mesh (mesh size is 6 mm), the height of the fence should be about 80 cm. Bury the bottom of the fence 7-15 cm into the ground, placing the posts inside the fence so that the snakes do not crawl on them. You can build this fence alone or add it to an existing fence. All gates must be tightly closed and without gaps. Inspect the fence regularly to make sure that there are no passages under it and that there are no foreign objects on the outside. Mow the grass and weeds around the fence and remember that the snake fence should slope outward at a 30 degree angle “.

Domestic animals can also be classified as methods of physical influence. Pigs, dogs, and hedgehogs are believed to eat certain types of creeping reptiles. But only the hedgehog does it with sufficient regularity. The rest, if they try the snake, then only if they are very hungry. And from the battle with poisonous snakes, these pets do not always come out victorious.

7 tips to keep snakes out of your yard and home

Here are 7 tips for those who want to keep snakes out of and around their home.

1. Clear land around housing . Snakes love to hide in bushes, garbage heaps, piles of leaves, and tall grass. Remove them, and the reptile will feel uncomfortable on bare ground. And professionals recommend regularly clearing attics and basements in their homes. There snakes can also hide.
2. Put your snakes on a strict diet . Be aware of animal preferences in nutrition. Some snakes eat frogs, others eat sick fish, others eat insects and rodents. If they are swarming in your area, then you can expect the appearance of reptiles there. Gray climbing snakes adore all rats and chipmunks. King snakes can encroach on birds and their eggs.
3. Check your home for holes. Cracks and crevices, wiring and ventilation can turn into open doors for snakes. Isolate them as much as possible so that these creatures do not settle with you! Even a gap of 6 mm is potentially dangerous.
4. Raise everything on piles . On any site there are shelters that cannot be got rid of. For example, a lumberjack. Experts advise raising it above the ground with piles and other similar things.
5. Be careful with chimneys and windows. Some snakes crawl into buildings through chimneys and even through open windows. Be careful!
6. Feed your pets carefully. If you have dogs, cats and other pets living on the street, then their food points should be well organized. Theoretically, your pet’s food and drink can attract snakes. So the remains of their food should be hidden from the direct access of crawlers.
7. Pay attention to cool, damp and dark areas. Snakes love the sun, but prefer to live in gloomy places. Hence the eternal craving of reptiles for wine cellars, barns and cellars. They need to be checked more often and more carefully than other territories.

Summing up

The best thing is to build a competent fence around your site and forget about snakes forever. And lethal means should be resorted to only in extreme situations.

The main thing to remember when dealing with snakes is that quick physical contact with them is a bad idea anyway. It is better to study your creeping neighbor well, determine its biological species, and then only proceed to confrontation.

When traveling in hazardous areas, high boots and trousers must be worn, which must not be too tight around the legs. If you have boots on your feet, then tuck your trousers into them with a slouch. Protect from snake bites and thick woolen socks.

When traveling in the mountains, one must remember: before examining the crevices in the rocks with your hands, you need to check with a stick if there are poisonous snakes there.

It is also necessary to know some habits of snakes. A cobra, for example, when attacking, is able to make a throw equal to a third of the length of its body. Her posture of threat is very characteristic: the front third of the body is raised vertically, the hood is swollen, swaying from side to side, hissing. Gyurza, in the threat of a throw, arches the front of the body in a zigzag manner. Efa rolls up into a rosette, in the center of which is a head with a peculiar pattern resembling a flying bird or a cross. Cottonmouths finely shake the tip of their tail before attacking.

If you see a snake in a menacing posture, it’s best to retreat. Keep in mind: the snake bites only in case of protection.

First aid for snakebite

First of all, try to suck the venom out of the wound as soon as possible by constantly spitting it out. Sucking out the venom from a snakebite is one of the main emergency measures. This can be done by someone who is next to the victim, or the victim himself.

The poison is not dangerous for the sucker. Even if he has wounds or abrasions in his mouth, nothing threatens him, since the effect of any poison depends on the dose per kilogram of body weight. And the amount of poison that can enter the body of the person providing assistance during suction is so small that it cannot cause harm. You just need to immediately spit out the sucked liquid.

It is not recommended to cut the bite site to better expel the venom. This threatens with infection, often damage to the tendons, which can lead to disability.

After the poison has been sucked out, the victim’s mobility must be restricted. If the leg is bitten, then it is necessary to bandage it to the other, if the hand, then fix it in a bent position. The victim is advised to drink more – water, tea, broth. It is better to refrain from coffee, as it has a stimulating effect. A person after a snake bite should be delivered to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Under no circumstances should a tourniquet be applied.

Cauterization of the bite site is ineffective, because the length of the snake’s poisonous teeth sometimes reaches more than a centimeter. In this case, the poison penetrates deep into the tissues, and superficial cauterization is not able to destroy it.

Alcohol is not an antidote, but, on the contrary, by making it difficult to remove the poison from the body, it enhances its effect.

The most effective remedy for the bites of especially venomous snakes is anti-venom serum. It must be administered intramuscularly, preferably
no later than half an hour after the bite.

Therefore, tourists traveling to the habitats of especially poisonous snakes should have in their first-aid kits ampoules with polyvalent anti-venom antigyurza or anticobra-antigyurza serum and everything necessary for its administration. Serum is used mainly for bites of gyurza, cobra, efa. When bitten by less venomous snakes, you can do without it.

The victim of a snakebite should be transported to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Scorpions

The order of scorpions is very numerous – about 500 species. In our country, they are common in a wide variety of places – from forests to deserts. Scorpions of some species climb mountains to a height of 3-4 thousand meters above sea level.

The consequences of a scorpion sting (bite) vary depending on its type, the place of the sting, the age of the victim and his individual sensitivity to poison. The most dangerous are injections of large-sized scorpions of tropical species, as well as injections that hit the head, face, neck.

Scorpion venom has a toxic effect on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. At the injection site, the victim feels severe pain. There is tissue swelling. Bubbles filled with a clear liquid form on the skin. The heartbeat quickens. Body temperature rises. Headache, vomiting, drowsiness, chills, weakness occur. Then there are convulsions, twitching of the muscles of the arms and legs, cold sweat appears, the heart rhythm is disturbed. Sometimes the condition of the victim improves for a while, and then worsens again. In severe cases, sudden respiratory arrest occurs.

Venomous spiders

Unlike scorpions, which live mainly in the southern regions, venomous spiders are also found in other places. The poison of some spiders causes local tissue damage (necrosis and destruction of skin cells and adjacent muscles), the poison of others has a strong effect on the entire body, and primarily on the central nervous system. The bites of large cross spiders are painful, although they rarely occur. Edema appears at the site of the scolopendra bite. Salpugs (phalanges), previously considered poisonous, actually do not have poisonous glands, their digestive juice is also not poisonous. Unpleasant sensations after a bite are apparently associated with an infection that enters the body.

Karakurt.

The most dangerous karakurt (“black widow”). It is found in the desert and steppe zone. The female karakurt has a size of 10-20 mm, the male is smaller – 4-7 mm. The coloration is black, the male and the underage female have red dots.

The favorite habitats of the karakurt are sagebrush steppes (virgin lands), wastelands, slopes of ravines, banks of ditches. It nests in the ground, occupying rodent burrows and other recesses, and when the heat increases, it seeks more shaded places.

In June-July, spiders move actively. At this time, the number of victims of their bites also increases sharply. Karakurt is active at night, but is also dangerous during the day if you step on it with your foot or grab it with grass or earth. Its poison is 15 times stronger than the poison of one of the most formidable snakes – rattling and deadly even for such large animals as camels and horses. If the injured person is not provided with timely assistance, then in 1-2 days death may occur.

After a bite of a karakurt, a small red spot appears on the skin, which quickly turns pale. After 10-15 minutes, there is an acute pain in the abdomen, lower back, chest, severe anxiety, agitation, fear of death. The victim’s legs go numb, breathing becomes difficult, vomiting and headache appear. The face becomes bluish. The heart rate drops, the pulse is arrhythmic. The state of extreme excitement is replaced by general weakness, lethargy, but the feeling of anxiety persists.

After 3-5 days, the skin becomes covered with a rash, and the condition of the victim improves somewhat. Recovery begins after 2-3 weeks, but for a long time the person feels general weakness

Precautions.

To prevent a scorpion sting or a bite from poisonous spiders, remember that they are twilight and nocturnal. Therefore, when spending the night in the habitats of poisonous arthropods, care must be taken. When going to bed, you need to stretch the canopy of the tent and carefully tuck its edges under the sleeping bag so that the fabric does not touch the body. It is good to put a piece of sheepskin on the ground inside the canopy – its smell repels snakes and poisonous insects. You need to check the bed, shoes, folds of clothes, where scorpions and spiders can crawl.

First aid for poisonous arthropod stings

Within two minutes, the site of a scorpion sting or other arthropod sting should be cauterized with a burning match to destroy the poison.

If the injection or bite hit the leg or arm, then it is necessary to ensure the immobility of the limb: bandage the leg to the other leg, fix the arm with a scarf in a bent position. Plentiful drink is recommended (water, tea, milk).

The most effective in the case of a prick or a bite of poisonous arthropods is the quickest possible introduction of anti-karakurt serum.

After providing first aid to the victim, it is imperative to deliver him to the nearest medical facility.

In Shymkent, 12 people were bitten by scorpions

04/05/2023, 08:21

Updated: 04/05/2023, 08:22

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In Shymkent over the past three months, 12 people were stung by scorpions, one of them had to be hospitalized due to unbearable pain. Locals have reported finding venomous insects inside homes, and doctors are urging people to be vigilant, especially during the high scorpion activity during the summer months. It is reported by Bizmedia. kz.

Scorpion stings in Shymkent: the number of victims has already reached 12 in three months

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The number of scorpion attacks in Shymkent is growing: in just three months, 12 people were bitten, one required hospitalization. Residents of the city report on social networks about their encounters with poisonous creatures that enter homes even in cool weather.

Doctors advise caution as scorpions are most active during the summer months. One Shymkent resident said she caught a scorpion in a bag of potatoes just a few days ago, adding that every year she finds scorpions in her house, and last summer one even stung her painfully.

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Despite attempts to disinfect the house and check for these creatures at bedtime, they continue to be a problem for local residents. Three of those bitten were children, and one chronically ill patient had to be hospitalized due to severe pain.

Doctors warn that although scorpion stings usually only cause pain in healthy adults, they can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.