How to treat a centipede bite

 How to treat a centipede bite

What is Centipede?

Before we move on to the treatment for Centipede bites, let me first brief you a little bit of information on the fast moving and multi legged creature. Centipedes are venomous, fast moving and predatory arthropods belonging to the Chilopoda class of the subphylum myriapoda.  Regardless of their name (‘Centi’ means hundred in Latin and ‘pes or pedis ‘means foot), they can have legs ranging from 20 to 300. There are estimated to be around 8000 varieties of Centipede of which around 3000 are classified.

After the little tit bit on Centipedes now let us move on to the actual article on how to treat a centipede bite. To start off the article Centipedes more or less resembles a snake bite with two visible punctures. These bites are normally painful but are not toxic enough to be a major cause of concern.

Swelling and skin irritation may be the immediate result occurring after a Centipede bite and here are some simple instructions that can help in treating centipede bites at home.

·         Remain calm, it may be painful and cause inflammation but remember it is non-toxic and treatable.

·         Wash the affected area with an antiseptic solution or soap and use plenty of water.

·         Use cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation. 

·         For alleviating pain apply a hot compress or use some OTC drugs like Ibruprofen or acetaminophen.

·         You can use a hydrocortisone cream to treat the itch and irritation associated to Centipede bites.

·         Monitor closely for any infection, in case infection occur, consult or doctor or a pharmacist and consider using antibiotics.

·         Check out if your Tetanus dosage is up to date. 

·         Acute Centipede bites may as well cause Necrosis but it’s not a major cause of concern as it heals on its own.

Symptoms of Centipede Bites

Common symptoms include sever pain, swelling and inflammation which disappears within few hrs. Rare side effects may include infection around the region.  Besides infection here are lists of severe symptoms of Centipede bites which may require medical attention if it occurs:

·         Severe headache, anxiety, nervousness, nausea and vomiting;

·         Inflammation of the lymph nodes;

·         Skin rashes, irritation, reddening and hives;

·         Tissue death ( medical term Necrosis) may occur;

P.S-Monitor closely in case of children, aged subjects and patient allergic to insect bites; May require hospitalization in case any severe allergic reaction occurs.