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A centipede bite is an injury resulting from the action of a centipede's forcipules, stinger-like appendages that pierce the skin and inject venom into the wound. Such a wound is not strictly speaking 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]
| Centipede bite | |
|---|---|
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| Underside of Scolopendra cingulata, showing the forcipules |
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 allergic reactions.[2][3]
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Symptoms which are most likely to develop include:[4]
Other symptoms such as hardening of the skin and tissue death may also occur.[5] In rare cases, Wells syndrome may also develop.[6]
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. Icing also helps.[7]
Naturalist Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre reported that his dog developed a serious ulcer after a centipede bite during travels in Mauritius.[8]
YouTube personality Coyote Peterson has been intentionally bitten by Scolopendra heros (giant desert centipede) and declares that the pain caused by the bite is worse than a bullet ant sting.[9][10]
Muay Thai fighter Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang died after a bite from an arthropod described as a takhap (large centipede).[11] Taiwanese folk musician Difang Duana's death was accelerated by a centipede bite he suffered six months earlier.[12] Both Pongsawang and Duana were diabetic.[11][12]
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