If the person is hypersensitive to bee venom, a sting requires an immediate injection with adrenaline, or epinephrine, which can prevent anaphylactic shock. An antihistamine also may be given. If avoiding bees is difficult, desensitization may be recommended. This involves weekly injections of diluted bee venom for a year or more to permit the body to build up resistance. Treatment for poisonous spider or scorpion bites depends on the creature involved and the severity of symptoms. Sometimes local therapy to ease discomfort is all that is needed. In other cases, treatment may require antivenin injections, hospitalization, and even life support until the crisis is past. Steroid injections may be given if the wound from a brown recluse continues to expand after the first 12 to 24 hours. A sting from a marine animal may require a tetanus shot, antibiotic therapy, and, depending on the wound, removal of the stinger and surgical closure. Painkillers and topical lotions containing an antihistamine, anesthetic, and corticosteroids also may be prescribed. In more serious cases, especially if shock occurs, hospitalization for intravenous therapy and oxygen support may be necessary. Immediate treatment for a poisonous snake bite usually involves extracting the venom by suction . Some doctors also cut open the wound and excise a block of tissue around the bite. If symptoms are severe, antivenin may be given intravenously for several hours or, less commonly, by intramus cular injection. However, antivenin itself could cause an anaphylactic reaction, so sensitivity must be tested first by exposure to a diluted solution of it. Even so, careful monitoring is essential after giving snake antivenin. A tetanus shot, antibiotics, and a painkilling medication will also be administered when indicated.
First Aid For Snake Bites
Start first aid immediately if you will not be able to reach a hospital emergency room within 30 minutes. Even after applying first aid, obtain medical help as soon as possible.
- Keep the victim from walking or otherwise moving around, because motion speeds distribution of the snake venom throughout the body. Have the person recline, preferably with the bitten part at or below heart level.
- Use a tie, belt, or rope to apply a light constriction band to a bite on the arm or leg, about four to six inches above the wound . Make it snug but loose enough to slip a finger underneath. Move the band a few inches higher if the area around it begins to swell. If moving the person is necessary, immobilize the limb with a splint, made from a blanket, towel, or rolled newspaper.
- If a snake bite kit is available, use the extractor in it to remove as much venom as possible , following the kit’s directions carefully. Prompt action is a must up to 35 percent of the venom can be removed if an extractor is used within the first five minutes after the bite has occurred.
- If a snake bite kit is not available, try to squeeze out as much venom as possible. The venom also may be sucked from the wound with the mouth because the digestive system neutralizes venom as long as the person sucking does not have any open sores or cuts in or around the mouth. While sucking out venom, be sure to spit out the venom and rinse the mouth periodically. In the past, first aid manuals gave instructions to make shallow cuts over the fang marks. Experts now feel that this action increases the chance of infection, so they discourage it. In fact, these incisions actually decrease the amount of venom that can be removed with an extractor.
- After removing as much venom as possible, wash the wound area thoroughly if soap and warm water are available, Alternatively, cleanse it with an antiseptic pad or wipe.