With increasing temperatures and enlargement of days, the time passed outdoors also grows. Whether in the mountain, in the field or by the sea, the meetings with the local fauna become inevitable. And if mosquitoes and wasps are already well known for their uncomfortable attacks, there is a much more treacherous and dangerous, but also more ignored bite.
According to the Angel website, scorpion bites pose a real risk that many underestimate during the hot months. Although most species found in Europe are not deadly, their poison can cause intense pain and, in specific cases, serious reactions with urgent medical intervention.
It is not always easy to see what stung us
Identifying the origin of a bite is not always a simple task. While some, such as spiders or bed bugs, have typical signs, others are confused with more common bites. However, knowing how to distinguish can be crucial, especially for people with a history of allergies.
Pharmacist Álvaro Fernández recently shared how to recognize different bites, warning that the scorpion usually causes intense redness with a small dark point in the center. This feature can help early identification and proper treatment.
How to react the body and skin to the scorpion bite
Unlike a mosquito bite, often felt only after a while, that of the scorpion triggers an immediate response: acute pain, swelling and an intense burning sensation. The skin warms and inflames it quickly and can become difficult to endure without relief.
According to the same source, in allergic or more sensitive individuals, symptoms can scale to more serious paintings, including numbness, nausea, blood pressure drop and even breathing difficulties. In these cases, urgent medical intervention is indispensable.
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First Aid in case of bite
The first measurements after a scorpion bite are fundamental. The Angel portal recommends washing the area with soap and water, applying ice to reduce inflammation and, in case of severe pain or systemic symptoms, seek medical support immediately. It is not recommended to make incisions, suck the poison or apply homemade remedies without professional counseling.
In which zones of Portugal should be more careful
Although scorpions are more common in arid and warm areas, there are species in Portugal, such as the boreal scorpion (Butthus occitanus), which can be found in regions of Alentejo and Algarve.
Although not considered lethal, they cause severe enough pain to justify added precaution, especially among children and the elderly.
Alarm signs that justify immediate trip to the hospital
Generalized urticaria appearance, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or neurological changes such as confusion or numbness are signs that should not be ignored.
In these situations, it is not advisable to wait to see if ‘passes time’. Medical care must be triggered immediately.
Simple preventive measures that make a difference
Avoid walking barefoot on bush land, checking clothes and shoes before wearing them, and wearing effective repellents are effective strategies for preventing unwanted contacts with scorpions. Also, when camping or sleeping outdoors, always shake bags of bed, towels or blankets.
According to, many people are unaware that there are scorpions in European territory and therefore do not associate the symptoms of a bite with the animal in question. This lack of information can delay the diagnosis and aggravate the situation.
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