Snakebite Overview
What is a snakebite?
A person with a snakebite has a puncture wound or laceration to the skin, caused by the fangs of a snake. Venomous snakebites can damage the skin and cause severe allergic reactions. Early treatment with antivenom can prevent a serious reaction. Death from snakebite is very rare. 
What are the symptoms of a snakebite?
Symptoms of a snakebite include a painful puncture wound, as well as tenderness, swelling, redness, bruising, or numbness around the wound. Additional symptoms may include skin blisters near the bite, a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and faintness. Symptoms of venomous snakebites include difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, tremors, arm or leg swelling, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, confusion, or fainting.
How does the doctor treat a snakebite?
General treatment for a snakebite may include wound care, intravenous fluids, and tetanus vaccination. Antivenin is the only effective treatment for a venomous snakebite.
Continue to Snakebite Incidence
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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