All scorpions are venomous. And it’s best to see a doctor for all scorpion stings. That’s especially true if you were bitten in Southwestern United States or Mexico. Highly poisonous scorpions are found there.

The stings from some scorpions can be fatal. Or they can cause serious neurological symptoms. An antidote is available for some scorpion stings.

If you are stung by a scorpion or are caring for someone who has just been stung, the main goal of first aid treatment is to limit how quickly the venom spreads in the body while moving to an emergency treatment center. In these cases:

• Call for emergency help and an ambulance if the victim is having a hard time breathing, decreased alertness or severe distress.
• If the sting is on an arm or leg, keep this limb below the level of the heart.
• Do not exercise the stung limb. Exercise increases blood flow from the limb to the body.
• Do not apply a tourniquet, or wrap the area?
• Gently wash and dry the sting with soap and water. Do not massage the area.
• Cover the sting with a cold compress to reduce swelling and blood flow to the area.
• Remove any constricting bands such as rings, in case of continued swelling.
• Give acetaminophen for pain, if needed. Avoid pain medicine that can cause drowsiness