Scorpions belong to arachnids, they are closely related to spiders, mites and ticks. They can kill the prey with their string, which is located at the end of its tail. When you’re hit with string, venom passes to your body causing allergic reaction that may range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of scorpion allergy include pain, numbness and burning sensation. Severe symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty in breathing and spreading of numbness.
Centruroides vittatus is a kind of black stripped scorpions which are most commonly found in United States. These scorpions are responsible for a large number of scorpion human stings. But thankfully it is harmless yet painful.
Venom injected in your body through sting is of low toxicity. It has caused only few human deaths. However the tingling sensation and inflammation can’t be overlooked. If ignored, scorpion allergy can lead to anaphylaxis condition.
Symptoms of Scorpion Allergy
Symptoms of this allergy are identical to honeybee sting. Some of the common signs are as follows:
- Hives
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Asthma
- Difficulty in breathing
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Swelling
- Drooling
- Burning sensation
- Shock
- Coma
You must reach physician as soon as you experience these signs. Experts conclude that allergy is triggered due to reaction between antibodies and venom. You may not experience it when you come in contact for the first time. In initial contact antibodies are produced, which triggers allergy when you’re exposed to venom subsequently.
However, few people may experience symptoms with first bite of scorpion sting, because of identical external substances residing in their body. This is commonly known as cross reactivity. For instance venom of imported fire ant and scorpion has identical properties.
Treatment for mild allergic symptoms of scorpion is identical to that of insect bites. Use of antihistamines and corticosteroids can reduce the symptom.
Where do Scorpions Live?
One thing you must clearly understand is that location is the greatest risk factor for scorpions. The areas where scorpions are mostly found in the United States are New Mexico, Arizona, California and some parts of South West.
Scorpions usually hide themselves under logs, under rocks and in tree barks. Some of the scorpions even wander in home and hide under bed lining, in shoes, garbage pails, firewood etc.
When to See a Doctor?
If any one of you is stung by scorpion, especially children then immediately get the medical help. If you are attacked by a scorpion then seek the help of poison control center.
To call poison help in United States call 800-222-1222
Consult your doctor for more information on scorpion allergy