First Aid for Scorpion Stings
Scorpions can pack a nasty sting, and it can be particularly dangerous for anyone who is even slightly allergic. There are a few scorpions that pack particularly dangerous stings: the Arizona Bark Scorpion and the Striped Bark Scorpion. The Arizona Bark Scorpion is found in Arizona but most of the other scorpions in the state are not very dangerous unless you have an allergy. If you happen to run across scorpions when you least expect them and get stung, don’t panic and apply these first aid techniques before seeking medical help.
Get Away From the Scorpions
The first thing to do is to get away from the scorpion that stung you. It may seem like common sense to do this, but many people get stung more than once. Scorpions will often try to sting multiple times because the stinger usually does not break off after the first sting, and if it has stung you one time it will likely try to do it again. Do not try to catch the scorpion; instead take photos of it on your phone if possible and show the photos to your medical provider.
Wash the Sting Site with Soap and Water
You should wash the site of the sting with soap and warm water. Apply a cold compress such as ice on the sting for up to 10 minutes at a time. Don’t take any painkillers because they can cause the venom to move through the circulatory system more quickly. Also do not cut into the wound or try sucking the venom out because it can lead to an infection.
Seek Medical Care
You should get familiar with what Arizona Bark Scorpions look like. If you are stung by a bark scorpion you should seek medical care regardless of your age or the symptoms. If you start to have any type of adverse reaction to the sting such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms you should also seek medical attention. There is anti-venom available for bark scorpions that can stop the symptoms of the sting. In general, every type of sting from scorpions except for mild stings will require some form of medical attention.
