From the Guidelines
For scorpion sting treatment, the most effective approach is to use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and topical lidocaine or ice for local pain relief, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. When treating a scorpion sting, it is essential to prioritize pain management and monitor for severe symptoms.
- Clean the wound with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg) every 6 hours as needed, as these have been shown to be effective in alleviating local pain from scorpion stings 1.
- Consider using topical lidocaine or ice for additional local pain relief, as these have been found to be useful in reducing pain from scorpion stings 1.
- Keep the affected limb immobilized and positioned at or above heart level to minimize venom spread. Most scorpion stings in the US cause only localized pain and don't require medical attention. However, seek immediate medical care if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, or if the victim is a child or elderly person, as these can be life-threatening 1. In hospital settings, antivenom may be administered for severe cases, particularly those involving Centruroides scorpions. The venom affects nerve cells by interfering with sodium channels, causing pain and potentially more serious neurological symptoms. Symptoms typically resolve within 24-48 hours with proper care.
From the Research
Scorpion Sting Treatment Overview
- Scorpion stings can cause a range of clinical effects, including cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and respiratory dysfunction 2
- Treatment for scorpion stings typically involves the use of antivenin, vasodilators, and benzodiazepines 3
- In some cases, anaphylaxis to antivenin can occur, and management strategies for this condition are crucial 3
Medications Used in Treatment
- Antivenin is a key medication used in the treatment of scorpion stings, but it can cause adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis 3
- Vasodilators are also used to alleviate the systemic effects of envenoming 3, 2
- Prazosin, an α-adrenergic inhibitor, is often used in combination with insulin to reduce scorpion venom-induced hyperglycemia and other complications 4
Alternative Treatment Options
- Traditional medicinal plants have been used to treat scorpion stings, with over 200 plants identified as being used in various countries 4
- However, only 38 of these plants have been tested for their neutralization potency against scorpion envenomation, and more research is needed to validate their effectiveness 4
- Modern technological advances in identifying and characterizing plant bioactive molecules may help to develop new treatments for scorpion stings 4