Scorpion Sting

• 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

Call 911 Now

• Passed out (fainted) or too weak to stand
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Drooling or trouble swallowing
• Seizure or muscle jerking
• Hives or swelling all over the body
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Go to ER Now

• Jerky eye movements or vision problems
• Mild muscle twitching
• Child is restless (can't sit still)
• Child crying and can't be comforted

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Scorpion sting and No past tetanus shots. Note: tetanus is the "T" in DTaP, TdaP, or Td vaccines.

Call Poison Center Now

• Any symptoms occur in other parts of the body. Note: symptoms that only spread up the stung arm or leg are safe.
• Age less than 2 years old
• Sting caused by known bark scorpion
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Spreading redness that started more than 24 hours after the sting
• Last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Minor scorpion sting with symptoms only around the sting
• Waves of tingling and pain only up the arm or leg with the sting
• Preventing scorpion stings

Care Advice

Scorpion Sting Treatment

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.

Clean the Sting Site:

• Wash the sting site well with soap and water.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have more questions

Care Advice

This image shows the bark scorpion of Arizona.