Although all scorpions in North America sting, most are relatively harmless. The stings usually cause only localized pain with minimal swelling, some lymphangitis with regional lymphadenopathy, increased skin temperature, and tenderness around the wound.
A significant exception in North America is the bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, also known as C. exilicauda), present in Arizona, in New Mexico, and on the California side of the Colorado River. This species is venomous and can cause more serious injury and illness.
Initial symptoms are immediate pain and sometimes numbness or tingling over the involved part. Swelling is usually absent, and there are few skin changes. Serious symptoms, most common among children, include
Restlessness
Muscle spasms
Abnormal and random head, neck, and eye movements
Anxiety and agitation
Sialorrhea and diaphoresis
In adults, tachycardia, hypertension, increased respirations, weakness, muscle spasms, and fasciculations may predominate. Respiratory difficulties are rare in both age groups.
Image courtesy of the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
C. sculpturatus stings have resulted in death in children < 6 years and in hypersensitive people.
Diagnosis of Scorpion Stings
Clinical evaluation
Diagnosis of a scorpion sting is obvious from the history. Determining the scorpion species is usually not. Several species of scorpions kept as exotic pets in the US (known by names that falsely suggest toxicity, such as yellow death stalker and black death scorpion) are similar in appearance to foreign species with dangerously toxic venom. However, the actual species of pet scorpion is seldom known by the patient or, if provided, may be unreliable. Stings should be treated as potentially dangerous until signs or lack of signs indicates otherwise.
Treatment of Scorpion Stings
Supportive care
Antivenom for severe cases in North America
Treatment of nonvenomous scorpion stings is based on symptoms. An ice pack over the wound and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain. Treatment of venomous Centruroides
An antivenom that is specific for Centruroides is available in the US and should be given to all patients with severe symptoms and to patients who are unresponsive to supportive care, particularly children. Information about availability and dosing may be obtained by contacting a regional poison center (1-800-222-1222).
Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table Tetanus Prophylaxis in Routine Wound Management).
