What To Do If Your Infant Is Stung By A Scorpion

May 31, 2025

A scorpion sting is always serious—but when it happens to a baby, it’s an emergency. Infants are far more vulnerable to the effects of venom, and even a mild sting can quickly become dangerous.

Here’s what you need to do immediately if your infant is stung by a scorpion:

1. Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room Immediately

Don’t wait. In infants, venom spreads faster and causes more severe reactions. Call 911 or head straight to the nearest ER, especially if you live in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, or California where the Arizona bark scorpion may be present.

2. Keep Your Baby Calm and Still

Crying and flailing can speed up circulation and help venom spread faster. Gently hold and comfort your baby while waiting for help or traveling to the hospital.

3. Wash the Sting Site

If you can, gently wash the area with soap and water. This helps prevent infection but should never delay emergency care.

4. Don’t Give Any Medications

Do not attempt to treat pain or swelling with home remedies or over-the-counter medications unless instructed by a doctor. Infants can react very differently to medications than adults or older children.

5. If Safe, Take a Picture of the Scorpion

If you saw the scorpion, try to take a photo for identification—but only if it’s safe to do so. Knowing the species can help doctors determine whether antivenom is needed.

Signs of a Severe Reaction in Infants

Scorpion stings in infants can escalate quickly. Look for:

Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Uncontrollable crying
Muscle twitching or jerking movements
Trouble breathing
Vomiting
Rapid eye movements or restlessness
Pale or bluish skin

If any of these symptoms appear, it confirms the need for emergency care.

Scorpion stings in infants are medical emergencies. Prompt action and professional treatment can prevent serious complications—and potentially save your child’s life. After the crisis, take steps to scorpion-proof your home with sealing, UV scanning, and smart detection tools like Scorpion Detectors.

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When are scorpions most active?

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Scorpions are nocturnal and most active from late spring through early fall. In hot climates like Arizona and Texas, activity spikes at night after temperatures drop slightly.

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What should I do if I'm stung by a scorpion?

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Clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and elevate the limb. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen (e.g., difficulty breathing, muscle spasms), especially for children or the elderly. Antivenom may be needed for severe cases.

Can scorpions climb walls?

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Many scorpions, especially species like the Arizona bark scorpion, can climb smooth surfaces like walls, glass, and trees using tiny hairs and claws on their legs. They cannot climb completely smooth, polished surfaces without texture.

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