injuries and poisoning
Scorpion Stings
Treatment of Scorpion Stings
Relief of pain Sometimes relief of high blood pressure Sometimes antivenom The stings of most North American scorpions require no special treatment. Placing an ice cube wrapped in plastic and a thin cloth on the wound reduces pain. A cream or ointment containing an antihistamine, an anesthetic, a corticosteroid, or a combination of them is often useful. Centruroidesstings that result in serious symptoms may require the use of sedatives, such asmidazolam, given intravenously, or drugs to lower high blood pressure.Centruroidesantivenom rapidly relieves symptoms, but it may cause a serious allergic reaction. The antivenom is available only in Arizona. It is given only if symptoms are severe. In areas of the world where scorpions are more poisonous, such as Turkey, the Middle East, and India, stings are treated with drugs and methods that reduce symptoms and complications.Prazosin, an alpha-adrenergic blocking drug, is sometimes used to relieve serious breathing difficulty due to extreme high blood pressure. Antivenoms to specific scorpion venoms are available, but their effectiveness has not been proven. 