Telltale Scorpion Sting Symptoms

Are those scorpion sting symptoms, spider bite symptoms or wasp sting symptoms? If you've got a mysterious bite or sting that's giving you some trouble, you'll want to run through this scorpion sting symptom checklist to make sure you get the appropriate treatment.

Common Scorpion Sting Symptoms

• The following are common scorpion sting symptoms:
• Intense pain at the sting site
• Mild swelling around sting site
• Numbness in area of sting
• Sensitivity to touch
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive salivation

Watch for A Serious Reaction
Of all the types of scorpions in the United States, only one type is seriously toxic: the bark scorpion. The bark scorpion is found in Arizona, California and New Mexico. The sting of the bark scorpion can cause serious symptoms, including anaphylactic shock, which can result in death. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care by calling 911:

• Muscle spasms
• Hyperventilation
• Racing Pulse or Heartbeat
• Disorientation
• Anaphylactic shock

Wasp and Spider Bite Symptoms
While some of the symptoms of wasp stings, bee stings and spider bites are similar, others are very different. All scorpion stings, wasp stings, bee stings and spider bites hurt, and they all will leave a red, somewhat raised and swollen spot at the site of the bite or sting.

Wasp and bee stings, however, will swell more than a scorpion sting. You may find a stinger at the site from a wasp or bee sting, whereas you will almost never find a scorpion stinger at the site of a scorpion sting. Spider bites are more of an actual bite; you will see more of a torn hole in your skin from a spider bite instead of a tiny dot at the entry point of a sting.

If You Suspect You Have Been Stung by a Scorpion
If you believe that a scorpion has stung you:

1. Wash the sting site.
2. Apply an ointment containing an antihistamine, a corticosteroid, and an analgesic.
3. Apply ice.
4. Drive to or get someone else to drive you to the emergency room to get the sting checked out just in case you need anti-venom.
5. Take one oral dose of Benadryl and one oral dose of acetaminophen.