Scorpion bites most often cause few symptoms, such as redness, swelling and pain at the site of the bite, however, some cases may be more severe, causing widespread symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle spasms and pressure drop, and there is even a risk of death.
In case of a scorpion sting, the first aid is:
- Wash the site of the bite with soap and water;
- Keep the sting site facing up;
- Do not cut, pierce or tighten the location of the bite;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Go to an emergency room as soon as possible or call SAMU 192.
The most dangerous types of scorpions are yellow, brown, yellow scorpion of the northeast and black scorpion of the Amazon, but the gravity of the picture also depends on the amount of poison that was injected and the immunity of each person.
Main symptoms of the bite
The symptoms of scorpion sting are pain and inflammation at the site of the bite, with redness, swelling and local heat that lasts from a few hours to 2 days, but in cases can happen more serious symptoms, such as:
- Nauseation and vomiting;
- Dizziness;
- Headache;
- Tremor and muscle spasms;
- Sweat;
- Pallor;
- Drowsiness or agitation
- Low or high pressure;
- Accelerated or weak heartbeats;
- Shortness of breath.
In very rare cases, a scorpion sting can even cause arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, which can lead to death if the person is not promptly treated and treated.
How is the treatment done?
To relieve the pain and inflammation at the site of the bite, it is recommended to apply compresses with warm water, and the use of analgesics or anti-inflammatories, such as dipyrone or ibuprofen, for example, prescribed by the doctor.
In patients with more severe symptoms, it is necessary to use the anti-corticosteroid serum, which will be prescribed by the doctor of the ready care, to cut the effect of the venom in the body. In these cases, hydration is also done with saline solution and observation for a few hours, until the symptoms have disappeared.
How to identify the type of scorpion
The best way to know if the type of scorpion is very poisonous is to capture and bring the animal to be identified at the emergency room, if possible. There are about 30 species of scorpion in Brazil, the most dangerous being:
Yellow Scorpion - has a pale yellow color, with darker spots on the back and tail, and measures up to 7 cm in length. It is the most dangerous scorpion, and its sting causes pain and numbness, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, sweating and arrhythmias, especially in children and the elderly.
Scorpion Brown - has a dark brown or reddish-brown coloration, with yellow and stained paws, and measures about 7 cm. It is very found in humid regions, and its sting causes a lot of pain, numbness, nausea and malaise.
Scorpio of the Northeast - has a yellowish coloration, with a darker line in the center, and a darker little triangle on its head. It usually causes light pictures, with pain and numbness at the site of the bite.
Black scorpion of the Amazon - has a dark color, almost black, and measures about 8.5cm. Its sting causes intense pain and local inflammation, with stinging sensation and burning, in addition to being able to cause serious symptoms, such as arrhythmias, dizziness, shortness of breath and drowsiness.
How to avoid scorpion sting
To prevent scorpion sting, it is recommended to take some care at home, such as:
- Keep the house clean by removing accumulations of dirt behind furniture, curtains and carpets;
- Clean the yard or garden to avoid accumulation of debris and litter in these places;
- Avoid walking barefoot or putting your hands in holes or gaps;
- Keep animals like chicken, owl, geese or frogs in the yard, as they are predators of scorpions;
- Inspect clothing and shoes before using them.
Cleaning is important because dirty places with cockroach infestations and rats, for example, attract more easily venomous animals such as scorpions, spiders and snakes. Learn what to do, too, in situations of spider bite and snakebite.
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