Scorpion sting

Updated: 2019-09-06

Overview

Although painful, scorpion stings are mostly harmless. About 30 of nearly 1,500 species of scorpions inflict potentially fatal stings. They're most serious in young children, older adults, and pets.

Symptoms

Mild symptoms include pain, numbness, and swelling at the sting site. Severe symptoms include muscle twitching, sweating, and drooling.

Treatments

Most stings don't need treatment. Severe cases may need antivenom.