Posts Tagged ‘arthropod’

Scorpion Stings

Scorpions are arachnids that feed on arthropods, lizards, which they grab with crablike claws and inject paralyzing venom from stinger which is present at the tip of the tail. There are about one thousand different species of scorpions, out of which only the bark scorpion in USA produces venom which can be lethal to humans. Scorpion sting cause about 5,000 deaths every year worldwide. They feed at night and remain hidden at day time. They like cool places and can enter houses and hide in shoes, cloths, bedding or may enter sink in search of water. Scorpions stings humans only when disturbed.

Scorpion sting can cause sharp local pain, which is followed by swelling of the area, burning sensation, itching etc. Allergic reaction may develop. If condition is severe there will be restlessness, blurring of vision, salivation, lacrimation, running nose, speech difficulty. Muscle cramp, drop in blood pressure, seizure, nausea, vomiting can occur. Symptoms become severe in 5 hours and subside in a day or two.

Offending scorpion should be tried to identify. Treatment of scorpion sting consists of local application of ice pack, cleaning of the bite site, tetanus prophylaxis with toxoid. Painkillers like brufen, diclofenac and antihistaminics like cetirizine, fexofenadine can be given for symptomatic relief. Patient should be advised to be calm and reassurance is given. Specific antivenin if available should be administered in serious cases. But antivenin should be reserved for selected cases only because it can cause potentially dangerous side effects. A C. sculpturatus antivenin is available but not yet approved by FDA. It is available in Arizona State University for use in Arizona only, mainly for research purpose.