MEXICOWANDERER
Feb 19, 2018Explorer
A Few Tips About Scorpion Stings
Here are some hard-earned tips about scorpion stings. The technical parts I have confirmed with Sector Salud -- 1st tier IMSS hospital toxicology expert Hermosillo Son.
- I have been sting multiple times by the Arizona Bark Scorpion -- one of the most "respected" scorpions and envenomations in Mexico (I am no cherry)
- RELAX the minimum time necessary to affect allergic reaction is 15-20 minutes and the median time to negative reaction is 45-minutes
- Folks who are allergic to bee stings should carry an epinephrine kit day and night
- Small children under 10Kg will suffer the greatest concentration of venom and a sting should always be monitored by a physician as quickly as is safe to get to one
- Some folks experience different intensities of symptoms - an "OW! Dammit!" to one person might be agony to another
- Excessive salivation and uncontrolled eye movement in children is a danger signal - Get To A Doctor!
- Antivenom only treats allergic symptoms!
- Antivenom does 0% for pain
- IV antihistamine in a clinic is used to control both mild allergic reaction and pain
- Local anesthetic LIDOCAINE is used to control pain - it is NOT an option at IMSS or Seguro Popular clinics
- Lidocaine is administered by private physicians and can range in price from 500 to 1000 pesos as it is a tightly controlled COFEPRIS schedule 1 medication -- lots of paperwork
- There are hundreds of species of alacranes in Mexico and only a few extremely isolated varieties in Durango and Chihuahua are considered dangerous to a healthy adult
- Scorpions can instantly custom-mix a sting for prey, a warning, or all-out self-defense
- When feeling endangered a scorpion can jab three or four times in a couple of seconds
- Squashing a foot into a shoe containing a scorpion or stepping on one in bare feet can bring forth the ultimate defensive response
- Topical anesthetics like Solarcaine do little to treat pain
- Ibuprofen or Paracetamol is more effective
- Expect side effects for 2-3 days after
- Tingling, shock-like effects are common
- Hens are roosters seemingly will walk a mile to feast on a scorpion so keep it in mind if you find a chicken snooping around
- NOTHING can compare to the sting of a Tarantula Hawk (World's Record greatest insect sting pain)
- Dampness and dark hiding places are favorite scorpion haunts
- Bathroom damp towels and shower curtains
I seemingly live in scorpion heaven Michoacan. Dark brown critters with long skinny tails. Average sting potency - Emerge at night to hunt
- Insecticide is extremely slow acting
- I dosed one fellow on my concrete floor with trichlorethylene an extremely lethal solvent that kills insects instantaneously. The dripping scorpion dragged itself over ten feet before expiring. The most effective remedy is to meticulously inspect potential entry ingress to structures then block them. Use door sweeps and felt pads to trim door openings, and spray insulation foam to close in sloppy window fits and ELECTRICAL OUTLET covers that don't quite cover holes. Ask management before doing stuff like this to campground showers and storage areas.