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Healthy Children > Tips & Tools > KidsDoc Symptom Checker > symptomviewer
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Scorpion Sting

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Definition

  • Sting from a scorpion
  • Onset of local pain and tingling after a scorpion is seen in the area
  • The main symptoms are pain, tingling and numbness at the sting site

Scorpions

  • Scorpions look like tiny lobsters in front. In back, they have a long tail with a stinger at the end. It curls up and over their bodies. They have 8 legs, like spiders.
  • Venom: the stinger has venom. The venom causes pain and other symptoms when it is shot into the skin.
  • Size: average size is 3 inches (7.5 cm). Range in size from 1 - 7 inches (2.5 to 18 cm).
  • Scorpions are most active at night. They like dark and moist places.
  • There are about 40 types of scorpions in the US.
  • All scorpions can sting, causing pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site. Note: Some stings do not inject venom.
  • The only US scorpion that can cause serious symptoms is the bark scorpion. See below.
  • Children and older adults are more likely to have severe symptoms. People with chronic medical problems are also at higher risk.

Bark Scorpion

  • The only US scorpion that can cause serious symptoms is the bark scorpion.
  • Color: bark scorpions are yellow-brown (tan) or orange in color.
  • Size: 2-3 inches long (5-7.5 cm)
  • They are found mostly in Arizona. Also can be found in New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Texas. They also live in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
  • Deaths in the US from a scorpion sting are rare.
  • Note: most people cannot tell a bark scorpion from a harmless scorpion. Catching or saving the scorpion to show your doctor is not helpful. Treatment is based on symptoms. Just kill the intruder.

Types of Reactions for Bark Scorpion Stings

  • About 85% cause only local symptoms at the sting site.
  • About 10% cause painful shock waves in the same arm or leg as the sting.
  • Less than 5% cause any serious symptoms.

Mild Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting

  • All scorpion stings cause pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site.
  • Pain starts right away. The pain can be severe for the first 2 hours. Symptoms around the site start to go away over the next 24 hours.
  • There is often no swelling or redness of the sting.
  • About 10% of stings also cause waves of tingling. The tingling travels up the stung arm or leg. It feels like an electric shock.
  • Most scorpion stings do not need to be seen.

Serious Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting

Most people will not get any serious symptoms. If they do occur, they will start in the first 2-3 hours after the sting. First signs of a serious sting can be muscle twitching or rapid eye movements. Pain, tingling and numbness can also spread to all the arms and legs. Other serious symptoms include:

  • Trouble swallowing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Blurry eyesight
  • Roving or jerky eye movements
  • Slurred speech
  • Muscle twitching

Expert Reviewers:

  • Anne-Michelle Ruha, MD, and Min Kang, MD, pediatric toxicologists
Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.
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