What are scorpion bites?
A person with a scorpion bite has been punctured by the tail of the scorpion, which contains venom. Only 1 out of 30 species of scorpion in the US carries venom that is dangerous to humans. After early treatment with antivenin, most people recover from poisonous scorpion bites. About 14,000 scorpion stings are reported each year in the US.

What are the symptoms of scorpion bites?
The most common symptom of scorpion bites is a painful puncture wound. The skin around scorpion bites may be red, swollen and tender. Symptoms of poisonous scorpion bites may include abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, excessive salivation, excessive tearing, facial swelling, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, palpitations, rash, or seizures.

How does the doctor treat scorpion bites?
Treatment for scorpion bites may include wound care, cold compresses, oral antihistamine medications for itching, corticosteroid creams, oral antibiotics, and a tetanus vaccination. Additional treatment for poisonous scorpion bites may include intravenous fluids, antivenom, and oral corticosteroids.