SNAKE BITE

Definition

  • Bite from a snake.  

General Information

  • Snakebites most commonly occur on the hands and arms when an individual attempts to play with or capture a snake.
  • Non-Poisonous Snakebites: Often, the small teeth of a snake leave a scrape that doesn't even puncture the skin.
  • Unknown (Unidentified) Snakes: Sometimes the snake disappears shortly after the bite. In a few cases, the snake has been killed but is hard to identify. Most bites are from harmless snakes. Generally, you can assume this to be the case unless the bite mark burns or swells within 5 minutes or there are 2 obvious punctures (fang marks).

Poisonous Snakes

  • Snakebites result in 12 to 15 deaths per year in the U.S. (1 to 2% of the total poisonous bites).
  • In the United States there are two general groupings of poisonous snakes: pit vipers and coral snakes.
  • Pit Vipers: The different members of the pit viper group include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths (water moccasins). In about 20% of bites, fortunately, no venom is injected (dry bites). If venom is injected, the fang marks will begin to burn and hurt within 5 minutes and swell within 30 minutes. Systemic symptoms (e.g. nausea, sweating, weakness) may take several hours to develop. Severity of symptoms depends upon the quantity of venom injected, the degree of venom toxicity, the location of the bite, the snake species and size, and the victim's age and size.
  • Coral Snakes: The venom from a coral snake is toxic to the nervous system. A bite can cause severe weakness or paralysis with minimal pain or swelling at the bite mark.

FIRST AID for Poisonous Snakebites

  • Antivenin: The most important treatment for poisonous snakebites is to go to a hospital emergency department as rapidly as possible so that you can receive appropriate antivenin and other emergency measures.
  • General Measures: The following first aid measures are recommended for ALL poisonous snake bites:
    • Move away from the snake.
    • Remain calm and minimize activity (to reduce absorption and circulation of the venom).
    • Promptly transport victim to a medical facility.
  • Incision and Suction (or "Cut and Suck"): Do NOT perform incision and suction. The majority of experts recommend against this. In addition, an incision performed by a hurried, nervous, and inexperienced individual may result in damage to an artery, nerve, or tendon.
  • Suction: Do NOT suck the bite wound with your mouth. You can buy a snakebite kit, which contains a suction device (Sawyer Extractor).
  • Lymphatic Constriction Band: In this technique a loose band is applied around the arm or leg between the bite wound and the heart. A number of experts recommend this, because it theoretically will reduce the distribution of the venom to the remainder of the body and thus delay systemic effects.
    • Instructions assume that the victim is more than 2 hours from the hospital, and that less than 30 minutes have elapsed since the bite wound.
    • Place a constriction band around the extremity, at least 2 inches above the bite, but not around a joint. Use a wide band such as elastic bandage or a piece of clothing.
    • Make the band snug, but not tight enough to stop blood flow in the veins or arteries. It should be loose enough to easily slip a finger under it. If the hand or foot turns white and cold or the pulse disappears, the tourniquet is much too tight and may damage normal tissue.
    • Once applied, leave it in place until you have been evaluated by a medical professional.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SNAKE BITE

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If:

  • Passed out
  • Very weak (can't stand)
  • Difficult to awaken or acting confused (disoriented, slurred speech)
  • Difficulty breathing

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick

  • Poisonous snakebite
  • Snake with red, yellow, and black bands
  • 1 or 2 puncture marks (fang marks) are present
  • Blood blisters, purple spots, or bleeding in the bite area
  • Bite from unknown type of snake and the bite area burns, hurts, or becomes swollen
  • Muscle cramps occur
  • Numbness or tingling of face
  • Bite looks infected (e.g. spreading redness, pus).  (Note: infection doesn't start until at least 24-48 hours after a bite).
  • You feel sick in any way (e.g. weakness, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • No tetanus booster in more than 10 years

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home If:

  • Non-poisonous snakebite with no complications and you don't think you need to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NON-POISONOUS SNAKEBITE

  1. Cleansing: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment (over the counter) once to the bite mark.
  2. Call Your Doctor If:
    • You develop any other symptoms in the 6 hours after the snakebite.
    • Bite begins to look infected (redness, swelling, warmth, tender to touch, or red streaks)
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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