□ SCORPION BITE
Generally scorpions can be seen in the moist dark places and in rainy season in villages, farms, and jungles. They are not seriously poisonous. But sometimes person hypersensitive to its poison can develop serious reaction and may even become unconscious. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is burning pain at the site of the sting.
2. Itching and swelling develop around the site.
3. Sensation may be altered near the site of bite.
4. There is restlessness.
5. Lacrymation and salivation may develop. Nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating develop 4-6 hours after bite.
First-aid
1. If the sting is on a limb, apply a tourniquet proximal to the site of the sting. Release it every 20 minutes for 5 minutes to prevent development of gangrene.
2. Apply ice locally to cause constriction of blood vessels and slow the rate of absorption of the scorpion’s poison.
3. Apply freshly prepared potassium permanganate solution on the wound.
4. Consult a doctor soon.
SPIDER BITE
Spiders are generally found in corners of the house, gaps in wood, hollow and dark places. Two types of spiders commonly found are black spider and tarantula. A tarantula is big, hairy and less poisonous, while a black spider is more poisonous. Diagnosis of a spider bite is made by the following features.
1. The victim experiences severe pain locally.
2. Redness and swelling develop at the site of the sting. Small blisters arise locally.
3. The face, hands and legs develop swelling.
4. Stomach cramps develop. Muscles become hard.
5. Breathlessness and shock can develop. Death is rare.
First-aid
1. Place the victim in a comfortable position.
2. Cover him with a blanket or a bed sheet.
3. If the bite is on a limb, tie a tourniquet proximal to the site of bite to prevent absorption of its poison and spread to other parts of the body.
4. Clean and dress the bitten area.
5. Consult a doctor if his condition worsens.
□ LEECH BITE
Leeches are generally found in water tanks, moist and muddy places, and rivers. Leeches are normally harmless, but they suck blood from the victim. Though a serious condition does not arise with their bite but they suck a lot of blood from the victim. Hence they should be removed quickly.
First-aid
1. A leech should not be pulled off the skin because it is quite delicate and can break if pulled. Remove it by the application of the burning end of a cigarette or stick to its back.
2. Place a dressing on the wound after its removal.