Centipede bite

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Centipede bite
Underside of Scolopendra cingulata, showing the forcipules

A centipede bite is an injury resulting from the action of a

bite, as the forcipules are a modified first pair of legs rather than true mouthparts. Clinically, the wound is viewed as a cutaneous condition characterized by paired hemorrhagic marks that form a chevron shape caused by the paired forcipules.[1]

The centipede's venom causes pain and swelling in the area of the bite, and may cause other reactions throughout the body. The majority of bites are not life-threatening to humans and present the greatest risk to children and those who develop

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms which are most likely to develop include:[4]

  • Pain,
  • Swelling
    and redness
  • Minor bleeding
  • Itching
    and burning sensations.

Other symptoms such as hardening of the skin and tissue death may also occur.[5] In rare cases, Wells syndrome may also develop.[6]

Diagnosis

Treatment

Centipedes bites, while painful, rarely cause severe health complications in people. Centipede venoms are heat-labile, and warm-water immersion may help reduce pain and swelling.[7]


Society and culture

Naturalist Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre reported that his dog developed a serious ulcer after a centipede bite during travels in Mauritius.[8]

bullet ant sting.[9][10]

Muay Thai fighter

Difang Duana's death was accelerated by a centipede bite six months earlier.[12] Both Pongsawang and Duana were diabetic.[11][12]

See also

References

External links