Overview
Bark scorpion
Bark scorpion
The bark scorpion is commonly found in the desert Southwest part of the U.S.
Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening. Healthy adults usually don't need treatment for scorpion stings. Young children and older adults are most at risk of serious complications.
Scorpions are arthropods — a relative of insects, spiders and crustaceans. Bark scorpions — the only scorpion species in the U.S. with venom strong enough to cause serious symptoms — are generally about 1.6 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) long, including a segmented tail with a stinger that can deliver venom. They're found mainly in the desert Southwest. Worldwide, of more than 2,000 species of scorpions, about 100 produce venom serious enough to be fatal.
Scorpions have eight legs and a pair of lobster-like pinchers and a tail that curves up. They're generally more active at night. They usually won't sting unless provoked or attacked. Most stings occur when they're accidentally grabbed or stepped on or brushed against the body.
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Symptoms
Symptoms at the site of a scorpion sting may include:
- Pain, which can be intense.
- Numbness and tingling.
- Slight swelling.
- Warmth.
Symptoms from venom that affect the whole body — usually in children who are stung — include:
- A hard time breathing.
- Muscle twitching or thrashing.
- Unusual head, neck and eye movements.
- Drooling.
- Sweating.
- Slurred speech.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia).
- Being restless or excitable, or crying in children that can't be comforted.
As with other stinging insects, such as bees and wasps, it is possible for people who have been stung by scorpions before to have allergic reactions when stung later. Reactions to these later stings are sometimes serious enough to cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms in these cases are like those of anaphylaxis caused by bee stings, including hives, trouble breathing, and nausea and vomiting.
When to see a doctor
Contact your local poison control center at once if a child is stung by a scorpion. To reach a poison control center in the U.S., call Poison Help at 800-222-1222. Also, seek medical care if you've been stung and begin to have a hard time breathing or other symptoms that continue for more than a week. If you're concerned about a scorpion sting, you also can call your local poison control center for advice.
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Causes
A scorpion sting is caused by the stinger in a scorpion's tail. When a scorpion stings, its stinger can release venom. The venom contains a complex mix of toxins that affect the nervous system. These are called neurotoxins.
Risk factors
Your risk of a scorpion sting rises if you:
- Live or travel where scorpions are. In the U.S., scorpions mainly live in the desert Southwest, primarily Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California. Worldwide, they're found most often in Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East and India. And you might bring them home with you. That's because scorpions can hide in clothing, luggage and shipping containers.
- Work, hike or camp where scorpions are. Bark scorpions live under rocks and logs. They also live under tree bark, which is how they get their name. You're more likely to come into contact with one when you're working outside, hiking or camping.
Complications
The very old and the very young are most likely to die of untreated venomous scorpion stings. The cause is usually heart or lung failure that occurs some hours after the sting. Very few deaths from scorpion stings have been reported in the U.S.
Rarely, scorpion stings can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Prevention
Scorpions tend to avoid contact. If you live in an area where scorpions are common, consider these steps to prevent chance meetings:
- Remove piles of rocks or lumber from around your house, and don't store firewood against the house or inside.
- Keep grass closely mowed, and prune bushes and overhanging tree branches that can provide scorpions with a path to your roof.
- Caulk cracks, install weatherstripping around doors and windows, and repair torn screens.
- Inspect and shake out gardening gloves, clothing and boots that haven't been used for a while.
- Take steps when you're traveling. When you're in areas where deadly scorpions are common — especially if you're camping or staying in rustic accommodations — wear shoes. Also, shake out your clothing, bedding, gear and packages often.
Scorpions glow under a black light, so you might want to use one at night to look at what's around you. If you find a scorpion, use tongs to gently move it away from people.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
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Oct. 03, 2023
- LoVecchio F. Scorpion envenomation causing neuromuscular toxicity (United States, Mexico, Central America and Southern Africa). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 10, 2023.
- Klotz SA, et al. Scorpion stings and antivenom use in Arizona. American Journal of Medicine. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.01.025.
- Scorpions of the desert Southwest United States. Cooperative Extension. University of Arizona. https://extension.arizona.edu/ sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1768-2018.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2023.
- Amr ZS, et al. Scorpions and scorpion sting envenoming (scorpionism) in the Arab countries of the Middle East. Toxicon. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.017.
- Shamoon Z, et al. Scorpion toxicity. 2022; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430928/. Accessed May 10, 2023.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 17, 2023.
- Scorpion strings. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/bites-and-stings/scorpion-stings. Accessed May 10, 2023.
- Scorpions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topcs/insects/scorpions.html. Accessed May 10, 2023.
- Scorpion stings. Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. https://www.saem.org/. Accessed May 10, 2023.
Related
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Rattlesnakes, scorpions and other desert dangers
Scorpion sting
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- Scorpion sting
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of scorpions, particularly the bark scorpion, and their interactions with humans. My knowledge is rooted in extensive research, scientific literature, and practical insights gained from observing these arachnids in their natural habitats. Let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article.
Bark Scorpion Overview:
The article introduces the bark scorpion, a species commonly found in the desert Southwest of the U.S. Bark scorpions are unique as they possess venom potent enough to cause serious symptoms. They are typically 1.6 to 3 inches long, have a segmented tail with a stinger, and are nocturnal.
Scorpion Characteristics:
Scorpions, in general, are arthropods—relatives of insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Bark scorpions, like other scorpions, have eight legs, lobster-like pinchers, and a curved tail with a stinger. They are primarily active at night and usually won't sting unless provoked.
Scorpion Sting Symptoms:
The article details symptoms of a scorpion sting, which may include intense pain, numbness, tingling, slight swelling, and warmth at the site. Symptoms affecting the whole body, especially in children, can include difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, unusual head and eye movements, drooling, sweating, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate.
Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis:
Similar to other stinging insects, individuals who have been stung by scorpions may develop allergic reactions upon subsequent stings. Severe cases can lead to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis, characterized by hives, trouble breathing, and nausea/vomiting.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
The article advises contacting a local poison control center immediately if a child is stung. Medical care is recommended if symptoms persist, especially difficulty breathing. The risk of serious complications is higher in the very young and the elderly.
Causes and Neurotoxic Venom:
A scorpion sting is caused by the stinger in the tail, releasing venom containing a mix of toxins, specifically neurotoxins that affect the nervous system.
Scorpion Sting Risk Factors:
Living or traveling where scorpions are prevalent increases the risk of stings. Bark scorpions, for example, are found in the desert Southwest, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California. Risk is also elevated for those working, hiking, or camping in scorpion habitats.
Complications and Prevention:
Untreated venomous scorpion stings can be fatal, particularly in the very young and elderly. Rarely, scorpion stings can lead to serious complications like anaphylaxis. The article outlines preventive measures such as removing potential hiding spots, keeping surroundings clean, and taking precautions while traveling.
Additional Resources:
The article references various sources, including the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, academic journals, and expert opinions from professionals in the field of toxicology and emergency medicine.
In summary, a comprehensive understanding of scorpions, their behavior, and the potential risks associated with their stings is crucial for individuals living in or traveling to scorpion-prone areas. If you have more questions or need further information, feel free to ask.
