Stung by a Scorpion? What to Do Right Now

Short answer: Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, which is free and open 24/7. Wash the sting with soap and water and put a cool compress on it. Call 911 for trouble breathing, uncontrolled jerking, drooling or wild eye movements. Young children are at the highest risk, so call right away if a child is stung.

This page is general safety information, not medical advice. When in doubt, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

First steps

1. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Specialists tell you whether you can stay home
2. Wash the sting with soap and water
3. Put a cool compress on it
4. Don't use a tourniquet, which can do more harm than good
5. Watch closely for symptoms getting worse

Signs that need emergency care

The Arizona Department of Health Services lists difficulty breathing, uncontrolled jerking, drooling and wild eye movements as severe signs. Call 911 if you see any of them. Most stings cause intense pain, numbness and tingling that can last several days, but don't get worse than that.

Children are at the highest risk

Small children are the group most likely to have a severe reaction to an Arizona bark scorpion sting. A young child rubbing their face can be a sign of numbness and tingling. Call Poison Help right away for any sting to a child, even if they seem fine.

Is there an antivenom?

Yes. The FDA has approved an antivenom for bark scorpion stings, called Anascorp. It's given in hospitals for severe cases, and doctors decide when it's needed.

Preventing the next one

• Pull beds and cribs a few inches away from walls, and keep bedding off the floor
• Shake out shoes, clothes and towels before using them
• Wear shoes outside at night, especially around pools
• Seal the gaps scorpions use to get inside

Keep reading

• Scorpions and Pets: What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Is Stung
• How to Tell If It's an Arizona Bark Scorpion