Scorpion Sting

Is this your child's symptom?

  • 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

When to Call for Scorpion Sting

When to Call for Scorpion Sting

Call 911 Now

  • Passed out 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

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

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

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

Call 911 Now

  • Passed out 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

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. Clean the Sting Site:
    • Wash the sting site well with soap and water.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Call Your Doctor If:
    • You have more questions

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Reviewed: 10/11/2023 Updated: 12/30/2022

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