centipede bite

[katra]

Well I got bit by a centipede a couple days ago and now my hand has become swollen and very itchy I do not know what to do so help is needed

[Royall]

Have you tried antihistamines? Benedryle (spl?) can help is a lot of insect bite/stings. I did buy some stuff called "Stop the Sting" on Amazon now that I've started keep a few bees. Lot of claims made on their web site. I haven't had to try it yet so can't say you should try it out or not. I would suggest calling the hospital and asking them what to try. I'm sure they'd rather tell you what to do than to have you come in at take up space in the emergency room!! Hope you feel better soon.

Royall

Hale O Na Mea Pa`ani

[Rob Tucker]

No idea where you are. There are some clinics around to check with.

[unknownjulie]

This may or may not be helpful, but I'd ice it, take some benadryl and then inspect the actual site of the bite. If it is ulcerating, then I'd worry that it could become infected. However, if it is just swelling all over, then it may go away on it's own. It probably takes a while for your bloodstream to clear the poison out of there. While there is still venom in your tissues, it probably will produce a lot of irritation. Let us know how it turns out!

[lquade]

i am a big believer in hot soak with epson salts. i use this alot and always keep the salts on hand. it will draw out whats in there..

[Arctic Fox]

http://www.ehow.com/how_2023907_treat-ce...-bite.html

[Andrew]

I have received 4 centipede bites living on the Big Island. They hurt a lot. and the next few days as you say there is considerable swelling and itching.

The advice about an otc antihistamines is good advice.

If you are not allergic to the sting I wouldn't worry about it. Signs that you might be allergic could include difficulty breathing, swallowing etc. If you have these symptoms go to the doc.

If the swelling is local that's pretty normal from my experience. Mine swelled up considerably. The itching lasted about a week and gradually diminished along with the swelling.

As another poster suggested check for signs of infection which might include red streaking from the bite running in lines up blood stream. If you feel it's infected see a doc.

I didn't see doctors for my bites and as you can see lived to tell the tail.

Regarding hot or cold. Try both and see what feels good to you. Ice may help with the itch.

I hate the little #%^$^#^%$s I feel for you. Hope you recover soon.

Aloha
Centipede survivor. []

[unknownjulie]

My neighbors pulled a foot long red centipede out from under their house. The thing was terrifying, and I am not normally afraid of bugs. Could a bite from something like this actually kill a baby? Has a small child ever been bitten here by one of these? My kids were playing under their house, when this creature was discovered!

[4antares]

The little ones are actually more painful and dangerous. The big ones are impressively alarming though. I'd never seen an insect swagger until I met one of these. Don't try and kill them by stepping on them either. It doesn't work and will get you bit. Get a shovel. Kids playing under houses is iffy anywhere. Creepy crawlies of all sorts like living there.

life is short. enjoy it

[terracore]

Old mushy papaya. The sooner you can get it into the bite, the better. There are enzymes in the papaya that break down proteins in the venom. If you don't have any old mushy papaya, the next best thing is meat tenderizer (because the active component in the tenderizer is papaya extract)