What Happens When a Centipede Bites You
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes have segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment. The number of legs varies by species, but it’s always odd, typically between 15 and 177 pairs. While “centipede” implies hundreds of legs, they don’t have that high. Their size ranges from a few millimeters to about 12 inches.
They are nocturnal creatures and feed on other pests; their best hiding spot is in dark, damp places. They are usually not a threat to humans and only bite when threatened. Their bites are stings because they sting with their pincer/claw-like forelegs.
The bites can be painful because they contain serotonin, histamine, and cardio-depressant toxin-S. And the more giant the centipede, the more painful the bite is due to its abundance of poison.
A centipede bite typically appears as a red, swollen area with two puncture marks.
What Happens When a Centipede Bites You
Mild effects
Centipede bites tend to be painful, with a sharp and burning sensation; some even say it is similar to a bee’s sting. The affected area reddens and swells, forming a blister. This appearance varies depending on the venom injected.
The area can also be characterized by intense itching, irritation, and sometimes even numbness.
Other general symptoms that typically wane in a few hours are:
- Anxiety
- Lymph node inflammation (which is rare)
- Headache
Severe effects include anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock results from a severe allergic reaction to the venom and if the venom is particularly in large quantities like, say, from a giant centipede. This may be life-threatening if there is no immediate medical attention.
The following symptoms may accompany anaphylactic shock:
- Nausea and dizziness
- Hives and rashes
- Fever and chills
- Difficulties breathing
- Hypotension
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling of the face and throat
- Chest pain
- Bleeding
- Memory disturbances
- Euphoria
Treatment
In most cases, the symptoms of your centipede bite will go away within 48 hours. But do the following to ease the symptoms:
First aid
Wash the affected and surrounding area with soap and water to reduce the risk of an infection. Don’t apply alcohol to the area since it is not a cut.
Place an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth over the bite. Do not place it directly on the skin itself. Apply for 10 minutes, then take 10 minutes break before repeating the procedure. This is to reduce swelling and numb pain.
Please do not use a warm compress as it can worsen swelling.
The affected area may be itchy; avoid scratching to prevent further irritation and infection. Get over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or calamine lotion to help reduce itching and irritation.
Elevate the affected limb.
If you need it, take an over-the-counter medication such as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic drug, or aspirin to combat inflammation, pain, and allergies.
If symptoms don’t improve within a few days, seek medical attention to get prescription corticosteroids, a shot of tetanus toxoid fluid, or antibiotics in case of any infection.
In case of severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe dizziness, seek immediate medical attention to avoid severe complications or death.
Prevention
Prevention is ideally better than cure, so do the following to prevent future bites:
- Seal entry points like cracks and gaps in the windows, doors, and walls.
- Keep your home clean and decluttered; their preferred hiding spot is dark, damp places.
- Keep the outside of your home clean.
- Wear protective clothing like gloves, trousers, long sleeves, and socks in places prone to centipedes.
