With more people turning to online advice to treat scorpion stings and rattlesnake bites, one clinical toxicologist wants to clear up some misconceptions.
Dr. Bryan Kuhn with the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center says because scorpions deposit tiny amounts of venom underneath the skin, symptoms are inevitable as soon as the venom comes in contact with a nerve ending.
So, applying bleach as a means to stop the spread of venom won't alter the effects, no matter what you read online.
Kuhn says the same goes for products that claim to treat snake bites.
"You can find venom removal kits online, like little suction devices, those don't work. Tourniquets are not advised. Sucking the venom with your mouth does not work. Cutting the bite site to express blood doesn't work," Kuhn said.
Kuhn says most scorpion stings can be managed at home with a few simple tricks like elevating the affected limb, applying a cold compress and taking Tylenol or Motrin.
Adults have the first five hours to determine whether new or worsening symptoms occur before heading to the hospital, but Kuhn said children 6 and younger should be taken right away.
For rattlesnake bites, he says to call 911 for an ambulance, as medics can administer antivenom and control any allergic reactions.
Kuhn says to be very careful not to disrupt the wound site.
"By just pushing on it, by doing any sort of manipulation directly at that site, you’re going to cause a distribution. You're going to cause that venom to penetrate into deeper, deeper portions of tissue thereby worsening or accentuating the effect of the venom. But more importantly — because we can treat the venom with antivenom. We've got very, very effective antivenom at the hospital. But, what you're setting yourself up for are significant infections that can definitely lead to amputations," Kuhn said.
Kuhn says when in doubt or simply curious about how to treat a sting or bite, call the toll-free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center.
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