The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
referred a 38-year old Lexington County woman to the Agromedicine Program.
Several hours earlier a scorpion stung the back of her hand while she was
gardening. Her hand was now swollen and painful. She was very apprehensive
because she did not know that there were scorpions in South Carolina and she
believed that all scorpions were
“deadly.”
The stings of scorpions native to South Carolina are
not deadly. Native species include the southern devil (Vejouvis carolinanus)
and the striped scorpion (Centruroides vittatus). Scorpions found in the
southwest US and in Mexico can be deadly. Vacationers to these areas from the
southern states should not mistake the benign nature of the southern scorpions
for these more deadly species.
Scorpions are active at night and feed on insects, spiders,
and other scorpions including their young. They may be found under anything
that provides shelter and may infest crawl spaces and attics of homes.
Scorpions are aggressive. Stings of scorpions native to
South Carolina are comparable to wasp stings. The stings are immediately
painful, but do not pose a serious health hazard for most people. There may be localized edema and itching as
well as paresthesia, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms usually subside in a few hours.
There is a risk of anaphylactic shock in a few
susceptible people. Anyone who experiences shortness of breath, difficult breathing
or hives distant from the sting site should immediately seek medical attention.
Patients with a previous history of insect sting allergy may have a cross-reaction
to a scorpion sting.
+ Cleanse
sting sites with soap and water.
+ Ice
packs will reduce pain and swelling (elevate extremity).
+ Over-the-counter
antihistamines such as benadryl for itching, and Tylenol® or a similar product
for pain.
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE – DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SERVICE
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 171 ASHLEY AVENUE, CHARLESTON, SC 29425-2217