MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Centipede

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Centipede

Contents of this page:
Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms Home Care	Before Calling Emergency Poison Control What to Expect at the Emergency Room Outlook (Prognosis)

Definition

This article describes the effects of a centipede bite.

Poisonous Ingredient

centipede venom

Where Found

centipedes

Symptoms

body as a whole
- pain in the area of bite
- swelling in the area of bite
- possible lymph node swelling
skin
- redness in the area of bite
- possible numbness at the site of the bite

Home Care

Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the bite for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If patient has circulatory problems, decrease the time to prevent possible damage to the skin. A trip to the emergency room will probably not be necessary, but contact Poison Control just to make sure.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the identity of the centipede if possible
the time of the bite

Poison Control

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The symptoms will be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Symptoms usually last less than 48 hours. Severe allergic reactions or contact with exotic specimens may require more treatment.

Update Date: 2/13/2006

Updated by: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.