What Does a Scorpion Bite Look Like?
The appearance of a scorpion bite depends in part on the type of scorpion that stung you. A scorpion bite generally looks like a regular spider bite... except you might begin to develop some symptoms if the particular scorpion that bit you was dangerous.
A scorpion bite or sting may initially appear as a raised red bump, similar to a spider bite, on and around the area where the stinger contacted you.
There are many different types of scorpions, and some are poisonous to humans to the point of being deadly, while others are only mildly irritating if you are stung.
More poisonous bites look similar to regular bites, but may cause dry feelings in the mouth, or sharp pains. In addition, a poisonous scorpion bite may quickly cause:
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Loss of vision
- Breathing problems as the poison affects the respiratory system
If You Are Stung
If you have been stung by a scorpion, the best advice is to:
- Place a cold compress on the area
- Try to avoid exertion, as the spread of poison throughout the body will be aided by the increased blood flow if you run for help.
- Call for help, preferably an ambulance or a poison control center.
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound. Applying a tourniquet cuts off the flow of blood into and out of the extremity, and can be harmful if you do not know how to properly apply one.
- If the scorpion that stung you is now dead, you may want to try to contain it so that it can be identified when the medical personnel arrive- this is often the best way to tell definitively if the scorpion that stung you was poisonous, since you can't always tell based on what a scorpion bite looks like. If it is not dead, you will want to do this carefully to avoid being stung again. Identifying the scorpion is important for making sure that you get the proper treatment.
The key is to get medical help as soon as possible to avoid death or other serious injury.
How a Scorpion Stings
Scorpions are a type of insect like animal that is a member of the arachnid family, from the same family as spiders. Scorpions do not bite humans, but they do sting, using a venomous needle-like tail.
The scorpion uses this tail and the venom it contains to strike and stun its prey before it eats them, but if it is disturbed or frightened, it may also use its tail for defense. This is how the majority of scorpion stings occur.