Insect bite (Scorpion)

There may be some residual venom around the bitten area, which may lead to an infection. To reduce the risk, gently take off any clothing from around the bitten area and wash it just as gently with warm water and soap. This will help you remove any residual venom left around the bite.

What to do for a scorpion bite? Remember to keep the bitten area still and below your heart level. This is extremely important because the scorpion venom may quickly spread through your system if it's raised above the heart. In addition to that, minimize your movements to prevent a faster heart rate which will also accelerate the spread of the venom in your body.

Scorpion bites have been treated with the help of mango leaves for many centuries. All you need to do in order to reduce pain and inflammation is to apply freshly extracted sap of mango leaves on the stung area immediately after you were stung. It can also be beneficial to additionally drink a glass of mango juice to fight the pain.

Cortisone cream has been proved to be effective in relieving the symptoms of scorpion sting. All you need to do is apply a little amount of cortisone cream over the stung area. 

Cortisone cream can be found in any pharmacy as well as online.

Asafoetida is known to be very effective in reducing painful and unpleasant symptoms associated with scorpion bites.

 What to do:

1. Mix a pinch of asafoetida powder with a little bit of water so as to make a paste.
2. Apply this mixture over the bitten area. 

Mint leaves can be helpful in the treatment for scorpion bites. All you need to do is apply some freshly extracted juice of mint leaves over the stung areas to significantly reduce the swellings as well the pain from the bite. Additionally, consume some mint sap.

Tamarind seeds have been used to treat scorpion stings for centuries because they can be extremely effective in absorbing the poison from a human body.

What to do:

1. Soak tamarind seeds in water for some time.
2. Press them over the bitten area. 
3. Leave the seeds in such a position for a few minutes.

Identifying the scorpion that bit you can help determine whether treatment is required, and in the case of venomous species, will aid medical professionals in prescribing you the best treatment.

Please, attempt this step only if you are sure it can be achieved safely. To catch a scorpion, you need to have a glass jar much larger than a scorpion around (a quart or liter size should do) so that an expert can get the greatest chance of identification. However, if you do not see the scorpion clearly, or do not have a suitable container at hand, do not try to catch a scorpion.

What to do:

1. Get a large glass jar. It should be large enough so as to cover the scorpion completely and tall enough so that your hands will be out of reach of the scorpion when you hold it upside-down.
2. Procure a pair of tongs that are minimum 10 inches (25 cm) long.
3. Attempt to catch the scorpion by either holding the jar upside-down and placing it fully over the scorpion or, while staying out of reach, use your tongs to firmly grasp the stinger and put it into the jar.
4. If you caught the scorpion and hold the jar upside-down, slide a large piece of heavy construction paper or cardboard under the opening. Then, when you flip the container, hold the cardboard from the outside.
5. Fasten the lid or place a large and heavy book over the opening.

Applying coconut oil over the bites can stop the itching and swelling caused by bug bites or stings in just a few minutes.

All you need to do is rub some warm coconut oil on the affected skin. Repeat this procedure 2 or more times daily.

Coconut oil can be found in most stores as well as online.

Although most insect bites are not dangerous, some may still cause allergic reactions or be poisonous. Therefore, in case you experience one or more of the following conditions, contact your doctor right away:

• Difficulty in breathing;
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
• Fast, irregular heart rate;
• Dizziness or feeling faint;
• Difficulty in swallowing;
• Severe muscle spasms;
• Abdominal cramps;
• Bitten by a poisonous spider;
• Bitten by a scorpion;
• Does not get better;
• Hives

"How to stop mosquito bites from itching, or any other bites from other insects?" The answer is simple – for immediate relief, try an antihistamine cream or stick to help you reduce the itching and swelling. 

Antihistamine creams can be found in most large stores, as well as online.

One way of how to treat insect bites is by applying cold tea bags on the bite. The cold will relieve itching while some tea compounds will reduce the inflammation.

What to do:

1. Put a teabag in a cup with hot water and let it steep for a few minutes;
2. Take the tea bag out and put it in the fridge for a few minutes;
3. Place the bag directly onto the bite for 3-5 minutes.

Honey possesses antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can prevent infection of a bite as well as reduce discomfort caused by itching. 

What to do:

1. Take a Q-tip or a cotton ball and dip it into honey;
2. Apply a thin layer onto the bite, covering it completely;
3. Don't wash away the honey, until you feel better.

Aloe Vera gel has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and can help to heal minor wounds, bug bites and prevent infection. 

If you have a plant around, break 1 big green leaf and apply the plant’s gel to the area that is irritated.

If you'd rather use a prepared gel, buy one in any pharmacy or online.

Tea tree oil possesses excellent antiseptic properties that can be effective in treating bacteria-infected wounds such as insect bites. It is also able to reduce swelling and itchiness.

All you need to do is apply some tea tree oil with a cotton ball to the affected skin. 

However, refrain from using tea tree oil if you have sensitive skin since it can cause skin irritation. Try other essential oils like lavender or cedar oil.

Tea tree oil can be found in many stores as well as online.

Meat tenderizer can be a helpful remedy for insect bites since it contains papain, an enzyme that can break down toxins from insect bites and reduce the itching and inflammation.

What to do:

1. Mix a small amount of meat tenderizer with water so as to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the bite and leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the area with warm water afterwards.

Lavender oil is very effective in soothing bug bites. It is also able to stop bleeding while being an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. You should be sure to dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil.

What you need to do is apply some tea tree oil with a cotton ball to the affected skin. 

Lavender oil can be found in many stores as well as online. 

Both chamomile and ice can be used as remedies for bug bites. Applied together, they are even more effective. Chamomile possesses great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing properties while ice helps reduce swelling.

What to do:

1. Take chamomile ice cubes and wrap them in a cloth.
2. Apply the cloth directly to the bites.
3. Hold for some time, repeat.

Arnica is a plant that effectively treats intense swelling and soreness caused by stings or bites and is considered a good insect bite swelling treatment.

Remember to use arnica only in its homeopathic form as the herbal form is toxic. Arnica is used in creams, gels, liquids, ointments, sprays and homeopathic pellets.

You can find arnica in most pharmacies, as well as online.

If you suspect that you have been bitten by a poisonous insect, consult with a poison control center in order to report your symptoms and get some expert advice. 

In the USA, The National Capital Poison Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. Alternatively, look for a poison center close to you at The American Association of Poison Control Centers' database.

If you reside outside the USA, use the assistance of a local poison control center found in the World Health Organization's database.

Garlic is able to reduce swelling and relieve the itching. Besides, its strong smell repels insects.

What to do:

1. Mince some garlic and apply it directly to the bites.
2. Leave it there for a few minutes.
3. Wash the area with warm water.

As salt possesses great antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be helpful to go swim in the naturally salty water.

In order to relieve minor symptoms and pain caused by insect bites, take Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol). You may want to not choose Aspirin or Ibuprofen since these painkillers may cause the venom spread through the body quicker in some cases.

However, bear in mind that children or teenagers who have recently had chickenpox or exhibit  flu-like symptoms should not take Aspirin.

Radish is considered to be a helpful remedy for scorpion stings. You can eat some to decrease the spread of venom through your body as well as apply some freshly prepared radish juice with a pinch of salt over the bitten area.

Although having the actual specimen that bit you could help medical professionals with giving you the best possible treatment, it's not always feasible to catch poisonous or aggressive insects. So, make a few photos of the specimen instead.