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How to treat Scorpion Sting

Materials

• Cold water
• A bag of ice
• An ointment containing an antihistamine, a corticosteroid and an analgesic
• One oral dose of Benadryl
• One oral dose of acetaminophen

Steps:

1. Wash the affected area: If possible, get the site of the sting under cold water immediately.
2. Medicate topically: Apply a layer of ointment containing an antihistamine, a corticosteroid and an analgesic.
3. Apply ice: Hold a bag of ice over the ointment on the area. The ice will reduce the pain and inflammation.
4. Medicate orally: Take one dose of Benadryl (antihistamine) and one dose of a pain killer (acetaminophen).
5. Go to the emergency room: Because some scorpion stings can be fatal, you will need to go to the emergency room to get evaluated for scorpion anti-venom. If possible, get someone else to drive you.
6. Ice as needed: Keep applying ice until pain is tolerable. You may experience pain for any length of time between a few hours to a couple days

“Medicate topically” means you should …