Centipede Bite
A Look At The Centipede Bite
A centipede bite is not actually a bite at all, but is a pinch. Most likely to be noticed when inflicted by the larger southern species of centipede, there is serum involved with the centipede bite, but there are no proven deaths caused by this painful pinch. Often compared to the sting of a bee, hornet, or wasp, the centipede bite can cause aggressive symptoms in certain people, but there are a few things that you can do to stop the spread of the serum and quell the burning sting caused at the site. In some cases, a fever may be present within a few hours of the pinch, but this is rarely cause for concern either. Since 1991, there have only been 5 fatalities which may have been caused by adverse reactions to the centipedes serum, but these cannot be proven beyond a doubt.
The centipede does not use his mouth for protection and for fighting. The centipede bite is actually inflicted by a pair of strong, modified legs at the front of his body. These legs are much longer and thicker than the other sets. They are hollow and are set forward like the claws on a lobster. When he is engaged in either fighting or self defense, he will pierce with these strong, hollow legs and then pull serum from body cavities which is pumped into the victim. Often, there are more than two punctures made, as the frantic or angry centipede will continue to pierce lightly as he moves across the dangerous territory which caused him to panic. Most centipede bite instances involving humans are caused when the insect is hiding in clothing, bedding, or shoes, and is frightened or injured into action.
The symptoms of the centipede bite are usually short lived, the most serious reactions being felt for seven to nine days. Immediate and radiating pain will most likely be your first sign, and the puncture wounds from the modified legs will show up right away, along with swelling and redness at the site. For these immediate reactions, you can apply ice for ten minutes, and then take it off for ten minutes, alternating this way until the sting and irritation are quelled. You may also use creams or bite cures to aid with the localized discomfort.
Some more severe reactions that you may experience from a centipede bite may include nausea, dizziness, acute tenderness at the site, headache, palpitations and anxiety, swollen lymph glands, extensive tissue damage around the site, and increases in blood pressure. Of course, if you are concerned, be sure to consult a physician. Otherwise, you can medicate yourself at home and wait for the symptoms to subside naturally.