It is quite easy for others to say but we know scorpion sting is painful. We are really sorry for your bad luck but please, don't panic. Some days are meant to test your patience and we are always by your side to help in your time of need.
In this guide, we've included every bit of natural homemade strategies that are proven to be effective during the unfortunate case of someone getting stung by a scorpion. Be with us till the end and erase all of your pain!
1. Remove the Stinger
You should know not all scorpions are found to leave their venomous stingers behind, but if you can see it on your skin, make sure to remove it cautiously. Having been tiny, dark, and translucent, the stinger of a scorpion is usually sharp with a needle-like structure on your skin.
Make use of a pair of tweezers or a credit card to gently pull the stinger out. Keep in mind to avoid squeezing it hard with your fingers, this can increase the risk of more venom entering your system.
2. Clean the Area
Once the stinger has been removed from your skin, your next immediate step should be thoroughly cleaning the sting area. The wound that has resulted from the scorpion sting is highly prone to infection.
To minimize the potential risk of infection, you need to wash the wound properly using soap and water. This will help to eliminate the dirt, venom residue, or bacteria from the skin's surface. Allow your wound to dry itself, or gently dry it using a clean towel. Keep in mind not to rub the sting area!
Elevating the area simply means raising the affected area above the level of your heart, especially if you've got stung in the limbs such as arms or foot. This has been found to help minimize the swelling and discomfort associated with the scorpion sting.
If you elevate the sore body part, you allow for proper blood circulation in your body which will lower the risk of blood and fluid pooling around the sting site, eventually reducing the pain and risk of tissue damage.
4. Apply a Cold Compress
The ice packs or cubes in your refrigerator have been found to rescue you in the case of a scorpion sting. Yes, the application of a cold compress on the affected sting area has been found to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling.
Why and How To Use
Cold compress has been found to limit the spread of venom into your system. The coldness helps to numb the affected area and reduce the inflammation. Keep in mind to avoid direct application of ice packs on your skin, it can burn them.
You can simply wrap ice packs in a soft cloth and gently press it over the sting area. It has been suggested to keep pressing lightly for about 10-15 minutes and remove it. After a few minutes of removal, you should reapply the cold compress and repeat the process until the pain subsides.
5. Apply Garlic Paste
We are almost certain, the taste of your meals is incomplete without the use of garlic paste. Yes, garlic is an important kitchen ingredient but did you know it can be used as a natural remedy for scorpion sting?
Why and How To Use
Garlic has natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These properties can alleviate the pain associated with the scorpion sting by helping to neutralize the venom of the stinger and reducing pain and inflammation.
You need to crush a few garlic cloves to make the paste. This paste can then be directly applied to the sting area. After the application, cover the area with a bandage and leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing the sting area. You should be aware that the application of garlic paste on the wound will create a burning sensation at first which will subside over time.
Baking soda is a common element of every household. While you might be using it for several other purposes, you can use it to alleviate the pain resulting from the scorpion sting as well. If applied properly, baking soda has been found to clean the area, giving relief to the victim.
Why and How To Use
Baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory element that can help to soothe the pain by reducing the swelling in the sting area. Besides that, baking soda has alkaline properties which can neutralize the acidity of the venom.
You need to mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to prepare a thick paste. This paste should be directly applied to the sting area. You can let it remain on the site for about 10-15 minutes before cleaning with cool water.
7. Use Vinegar
Yes, vinegar is also an excellent household choice for relieving pain associated with the scorpion sting. Go after the vinegar bottle that must be lying somewhere on your kitchen board.
Why and How To Use
Vinegar has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It has been found to neutralize the venom and help soothe pain by reducing swelling and preventing the wound from any harmful infection.
You can simply grab a cotton ball and soak it with vinegar. Then, apply directly on the sting area. Many people also try diluting the vinegar by mixing it with water in equal proportions before applying it to the affected area.
8. Make Use of Sweet Honey
We are pretty sure, you do have honey in your kitchen. The sweet and magical honey has been serving humans for various purposes. It shouldn't surprise you, honey can be used to treat scorpion stings as well.
Why and How To Use
Honey is a powerful anti-inflammatory element that has excellent healing properties. Besides that, honey has been found to moisturize the skin and prevent the wound from getting infection.
You can pour a few drops of raw honey directly on the sting area and cover the area with a bandage. Make sure you leave it still for some hours after the application and wash using lukewarm water. You will be amazed by the instant result!
9. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a common plant in our houses and business properties. This plant is a popular choice against almost every skin irritation. Therefore, it can also be used to alleviate the symptoms of scorpion stings.
Why and How To Use
Aloe vera has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can be used as a natural remedy for skin irritations. The swelling and pain caused by the scorpion sting are likely to be minimized with the application of aloe vera gel on the affected area.
You need to cut the leaves of the aloe vera plant and extract the gel out of it. This gel can then be applied directly to the sting area. Make sure to let the gel absorbed into the skin by allowing it to remain on the skin for some period and finally rinse it off with the help of water.
Apart from its rich history and enchanting blossoms, calendula has been found to possess alleviating properties for the scorpion sting. Yes, your garden flower can come to your rescue if used properly.
Why and How To Use
Calendula flower is used as an anti-inflammatory and a remedy for healing wounds, majorly for skin-related wounds. It has been found to reduce inflammation, control bleeding, and soothe irritated tissue of the skin.
You need to mix a few drops of calendula oil with a half cup of coconut oil and apply this solution to the sting area. Let it remain for about 10 minutes and you can see the result of reduced pain and swelling.
11. Try Cucumber Slices
Cucumber is the popular choice of every household. It has several uses in the culinary world and many people prefer using it as a salad. But have you used the cucumber to treat scorpion stings?
Why and How To Use
Cucumber is best known for its cooling and hydrating properties and yes, it can work very effectively as a natural remedial solution for soothing scorpion stings. The cooling effect can help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with scorpion stings.
You simply need to cut a fresh cucumber making several slices and gently rub them on the sting area. You can also just place the slices over the wound and let it remain until you start to feel warmth. You are certain to feel a great relief!
12. Use Basil Leaves
You might've grown basil plants in your house. The aromatic leaves of basil can be useful in various areas. One such area is to use them as a natural remedy to treat stings of scorpion.
Why and How To Use
Basil leaves are popular for having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. These natural compounds of basil leaves are found to help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with scorpion stings. Further, its antibacterial properties can prevent the wound from infection.
You need to crush some fresh leaves of the basil and extract the juice out of it. This juice can then be directly applied over the sting area or wound. Alternatively, you can make use of the leaf paste as well. You will be rewarded with natural relief!
What Does Scorpion Sting Feel Like
You must be amazed to hear that about 1.5 million scorpion stings happen in the world each year. This researched data depicts how often an individual is likely to get stung by a scorpion.
An individual is likely to experience immediate sharp and intense pain as an instant sensation if one gets bitten by the scorpion. Many people have described the sting of the scorpion as that of a needle or bee sting.
In normal conditions, this pain usually occurs instantly in the sting area and subsides over time.
2. Burning Sensation
The intense pain is more likely to be followed by a burning sensation in the affected area. The burning sensation can cause mild discomfort to the victim. However, the level of discomfort may vary according to the sensitivity of the person and the venom of the scorpion's stinger.
3. Tingling and Numbness
Over time, the sting area may start to tingle and become numb. Some people may experience tingling beyond the sting area, spreading to other body parts. This can panic you, but without any worry, properly follow the home remedial solution.
4. Swelling and Redness
Once you've been stung by the scorpion, the site area may become red and swollen. More often, the sting area becomes highly sensitive to the touch projecting normal localized reactions on your body.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should know there are varieties of scorpions around the world. The sting of different scorpions is more likely to project similar kinds of localized reactions on your body. However, if you get bitten by life-threatening scorpions such as bark scorpions (found in Arizona, US) you are prone to seek medical advice.
In addition to that, many people may show allergic reactions other than the above-mentioned localized reactions. In both cases, it is recommended to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Are Scorpions Venomous
Scorpions are nocturnal animals which means they venture out at night for food when it gets darker around and during the day, they are likely to hide in their shelter, more often in the underground holes, beneath rocks, and in burrows.
Yes, most of the scorpions are venomous. They attack their prey paralyzing them through the venom they inject via stinger. But you should know every type of venom, scorpions inject isn't completely threatening to humans. There are a few scorpions that do have potent venom which you should be highly careful of.
The scorpion body is divided into three major parts.
a. Prosoma or Cephalothorax (Head): This part has been found to include the eyes, mouthparts, and legs of the scorpion. Legs are commonly called claws. They have two eyes on top of the cephalothorax, and usually, 2 to 5 pairs of them are found in the front corners.
b. Mesosoma (abdomen): The abdomen portion consists of seven segments with 4 pairs of clawed walking legs. The claws have been found to help the scorpion to climb any surface quite fluently. The mesosoma further contains the reproductive, respiratory, and other organs.
c. Metasoma (tail): The most distinctive feature of a scorpion is its elongated and segmented tail that usually curves upward. The tail is where the venomous stinger of a scorpion lies. The scorpion is found to use the tail for both defense and hunting.
2. Color
Scorpions are available in a wide range of colors around the world depending upon their species. They are found from pale yellow to brown and black. Most of the scorpions have a solid color on them while some of them are found in translucent appearance.
One of the amazing qualities of scorpions is that they are likely to glow a vibrant blue-green when exposed to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light. This is because of the fluorescent chemicals in the cuticle.
3. Size
Scorpions are found to exist in various range of sizes. The smallest scorpion has been recorded as small as 8.5mm while the largest might reach up to 23cm. The size varies depending on the species.
If you get stung by any of them, you must be aware of their size and color. This will save a lot of time and can be very helpful while treating them.
