Scorpion Stings – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Scorpions are arthropods related to spiders, insects and crustaceans. They have a distinctive appearance with their eight legs, curved tail ending in a stinger, and claw-like pinchers.

Most scorpions become active at night and prefer not to sting humans unless they feel threatened.

While scorpion stings cause pain, they rarely lead to death. Of the more than 2,000 scorpion species worldwide, only about 100 have venom potent enough to be lethal.

In the United States, bark scorpions are the only species with venom strong enough to cause serious symptoms. These scorpions typically measure between 1.6 to 3 inches long and are found primarily in the desert Southwest.

Most scorpion stings happen accidentally when people:

  • Step on a scorpion
  • Grab one unknowingly
  • Brush against one

Who’s at risk?

Healthy adults typically don’t need medical treatment for scorpion stings. However, certain groups face higher risks of complications:

  • Young children
  • Older adults

If you live in areas where scorpions are common, learning to identify them and taking preventive measures can help reduce sting risks.

Signs of a Scorpion Sting

A scorpion sting can cause several symptoms, both at the sting site and throughout the body.

At the location of the sting, you may feel intense pain. The area might also become numb and tingly. Some people notice slight swelling or warmth around the sting.

Symptoms that affect the whole body are more common in children who get stung. These include:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Muscle twitching or thrashing
  • Strange movements of the head, neck, and eyes
  • Excess drooling
  • Heavy sweating
  • Slurred speech

Other whole-body symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • High blood pressure
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Restlessness or being unable to comfort a crying child

People who have been stung before may have allergic reactions to later stings. These reactions can sometimes be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Signs of a serious allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, and nausea and vomiting.

When to Get Medical Help

Call poison control right away if a child gets stung by a scorpion. In the U.S., reach poison control at 800-222-1222. Also seek medical care if you have trouble breathing after a sting or if symptoms last more than a week.

If you’re worried about a scorpion sting, poison control can give helpful advice. Don’t wait to call if symptoms seem serious.

Causes

Scorpions sting people by using the stinger at the end of their tail. During a sting, the scorpion may inject venom into the victim. This venom contains complex neurotoxins, which are substances that attack the nervous system.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of getting stung by a scorpion:

  • Location: Living in or visiting areas where scorpions are common puts you at higher risk. In the United States, scorpions mostly inhabit the desert Southwest, especially Arizona, New Mexico, and certain parts of California. Globally, they’re frequently found in Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East, and India.

  • Travel Exposure: You might accidentally bring scorpions home with you. These creatures can hide in clothing, luggage, or shipping containers during transportation.

  • Outdoor Activities: People who work outdoors, hike, or camp face a greater risk of encounters. Bark scorpions typically shelter under rocks, logs, and tree bark, making outdoor activities in their habitats more dangerous.

Complications

Scorpion stings pose the greatest risk to elderly individuals and small children. Death, while rare, typically results from heart or respiratory failure occurring several hours after being stung. In the United States, fatal outcomes from scorpion stings are extremely uncommon.

In some cases, people may develop anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction to scorpion venom. This is a dangerous but rare complication that requires immediate medical attention.

Ways to Avoid Scorpions

Scorpions prefer to stay away from humans. If you live where scorpions are common, try these prevention methods:

Around Your Home:

  • Clear away rock piles and lumber near your house

  • Don’t store firewood against walls or inside

  • Keep grass short and trim tree branches that might let scorpions reach your roof

  • Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior

  • Install weatherstripping around doors and windows

  • Fix torn window screens

Personal Safety Habits:

  • Check gardening gloves before using them

  • Shake out clothes and shoes that have been unused for a while

  • Wear closed shoes when in scorpion-prone areas

  • Regularly inspect bedding and gear when camping

Scorpions have a unique feature – they glow under black light. You can use this to your advantage by checking your surroundings with a black light at night.

If you find a scorpion, use tongs to carefully move it away from people rather than trying to kill it.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.