You can easily treat a scorpion sting. So many of us have this idea that a scorpion sting will kill someone, or seriously harm you. However, truly, most scorpion stings, though painful, are relatively harmless.
There are some poisonous scorpions that do cause a life-threatening sting, which must be treated in a hospital. If you are not sure whether or not the scorpions in your area are poisonous, watch this National Geographic video.
However, most scorpions in the United States are generally mild and sting only when cornered. They do not require hospitalization or a trip to the ER, only mild, at-home treatments.
This article lists the top six deadliest scorpions on earth if you are interested.
You can find out how to keep them out of your home on this post.
Mild symptoms from a scorpion sting can be:
- Pain from the sting
- Numbness from the toxin of the sting
- Swelling around the area of the sting
According to the Mayo Clinic, a scorpion sting requires medical treatment if:
- Muscle twitching or thrashing
- Unusual head, neck and eye movements
- Drooling
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Drastic change in blood pressure (high or low)
- Accelerated heart rate
- Excessive excitability, such as inconsolable crying in children.
Here are 9 natural remedies to treat a scorpion sting
Ice
Place an ice pack on the site of the sting to reduce any swelling.
Calendula Salve
Make a calendula salve by adding 5 drops of calendula tincture to about 1/2 cup of coconut oil and mix. Then apply the ointment on the site of the sting.
Frankincense Oil
Add a drop of frankincense essential oil. Frankincense oil is used by many cultures around the world to treat poisonous insect and snake bites.
Baking Soda
Add a paste of baking soda and water to a nonpoisonous scorpion sting to help draw out the venom.
Papaya or Mango
Use papaya extract or mango leaves, both of which break down the proteins in the scorpion venom naturally.
Meat Tenderizer
Use meat tenderizer to help break down the proteins in the venom.
Essential Oils
Use other essential oils you may have on hand, which are good for general insect stings and bites: basil, lavender, peppermint, rosemary or eucalyptus. Just add a drop or two to soothe the area.
Garlic
Use a garlic paste over the affected area to relieve symptoms and heal. You make it by mashing up whole cloves of fresh garlic, or even grinding them in a small food processor.
Clay
Make a paste of clay and water and then apply it to the site of the scorpion sting. You can use what ever you have on hand.
Directions for a scorpion sting
While, generally, if stung by a general household scorpion, the stings may have swelling, pain and/or numbness. This may or may not work on truly venomous scorpions, such as the bark scorpion.
Use the methods listed above until the symptoms subside.
If your symptoms of a scorpion sting reflect those listed by the Mayo clinic (above), then you need to seek medical attention. Or, if your symptoms persist and the pain does not subside, consult with your family physician.
Worried about scorpions getting into your home and want to keep them out?
Read the article below to find out how to stop scorpions from entering your home! These ideas really work.
