Scorpion sting

Date Updated: 09/28/2021

Overview

Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening. Young children and older adults are most at risk of serious complications.

In the United States, the bark scorpion, found mainly in the desert Southwest, is the only scorpion species with venom potent enough to cause severe symptoms. Worldwide, only about 30 of the estimated 1,500 species of scorpions produce venom toxic enough to be fatal. But with more than a million scorpion stings taking place each year, deaths from these stings are a significant public health problem in areas where access to medical care is limited.

Healthy adults usually don't need treatment for scorpion stings. But a scorpion sting can have serious effects in young children.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms at the site of a scorpion sting may include:

Pain, which can be intense
Numbness and tingling
Slight swelling
Warmth

Signs and symptoms related to widespread (systemic) venom effects usually occur in children who are stung and may include:

Difficulty breathing
Muscle twitching or thrashing
Unusual head, neck and eye movements
Drooling
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Accelerated heart rate (tachycardia)
Restlessness or excitability, or inconsolable crying in children

As with other stinging insects, such as bees and wasps, it is possible for people who have previously been stung by scorpions to have allergic reactions with subsequent stings. Reactions to these subsequent stings are sometimes severe enough to cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms in these cases are similar to those of anaphylaxis caused by bee stings and can include hives, trouble breathing, and nausea and vomiting.

When to see a doctor

Get immediate medical care for a child stung by a scorpion.

Call your local poison control center for advice if you're concerned about a scorpion sting. To reach a poison control center in the United States, call Poison Help at 800-222-1222.

Seek prompt medical care if you've been stung by a scorpion and begin to experience severe symptoms.

Causes

A scorpion sting is caused by the stinger in a scorpion's tail. When a scorpion stings, its stinger can release venom. The venom contains a complex mix of toxins that affect the nervous system (neurotoxins).

Scorpions are arthropods — a relative of insects, spiders and crustaceans. Bark scorpions are about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. Scorpions have eight legs and a pair of lobster-like pinchers and a tail that curves up. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures that resist stinging unless provoked or attacked.

Risk factors

Certain activities can increase your risk of a scorpion sting:

Living where scorpions are. In the United States, scorpions mainly live in the desert Southwest, primarily Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California. Worldwide, they're found most often in Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East and India.
Working, hiking or camping where scorpions are. Bark scorpions live under rocks, logs and tree bark — hence, the name. You're especially likely to encounter one when you're working outside, hiking or camping.
Traveling where scorpions are. You're more likely to encounter more-dangerous scorpions while traveling in specific parts of the world. And you might bring them home with you, as scorpions can hide in clothing, luggage and shipping containers.

Complications

The very old and the very young are most likely to die of untreated venomous scorpion stings. The cause is usually heart or respiratory failure occurring some hours after the sting. Very few deaths from scorpion stings have been reported in the United States.

Another possible complication of scorpion stings, though rare, is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Prevention

Scorpions tend to avoid contact. If you live in an area where scorpions are common, prevent chance meetings by doing the following:

Remove piles of rocks or lumber from around your house and don't store firewood against the house or inside.
Keep grass closely mowed, and prune bushes and overhanging tree branches, which can provide a path to your roof for scorpions.
Caulk cracks, install weatherstripping around doors and windows, and repair torn screens.
Inspect and shake out gardening gloves, boots and clothing that haven't been used for a while.
When traveling in areas where lethal scorpions are common — especially if you're camping or staying in rustic accommodations — wear shoes and shake out your clothing, bedding, gear and packages often.

Scorpions glow under a black light, so you might want to use one at night to inspect your surroundings. If you find a scorpion, use tongs to gently move it away from people.

Diagnosis

Your history and symptoms are usually all your doctor needs to make a diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms, you may have blood or imaging tests to check for the effects of the venom on your liver, heart, lungs and other organs.

Treatment

Most scorpion stings don't need medical treatment. But if symptoms are severe, you may need to receive care in a hospital. You may be given drugs through a vein (intravenously) to treat pain.

Scorpion antivenom may be given to children to prevent the development of symptoms. Adults with severe symptoms also may be given antivenom.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If a scorpion stings you or your child, follow the suggestions below. Healthy adults may not need further treatment, and these tips can help keep children safe until they see a doctor:

Clean the wound with mild soap and water.
Apply a cool compress to the affected area. This may help reduce pain.
Don't consume food or liquids if you're having difficulty swallowing.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. You might try ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Children's Motrin, others) to help ease discomfort.

Check your or your child's vaccination records to be sure a tetanus vaccine is up to date.