Question 1

i am going to the ed for snake bite, what to expect?

Accepted Answer

Venomous- no venom: If the type of snake is known – call ahead to emergency room so that that they can be prepared (anti-venom). Both venomous ; non-venomous bites require wound care. Recommend tetanus booster if none in last 10 years (in some situations it may be given if no tetanus shot in &gt; 5 years). If you have had a serious venomous snake bite than life threatening conditions will be addressed first. You would.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: snake bite?

Accepted Answer

See below: Simply speaking:  venomous bites are received from a species of snake that produces venom.  There are grades of envenomation which are determined by the type of venomous snake biting and the severity of the symptoms caused by the venom.  There are some bites that are "dry" - no venom injected.  Dr. Sean bush from loma linda is an expert in this field and i will defer to him.

Question 3

hi, i had a rattle snake bite my pants today. (didn't get me) the venom is soaked on them will a regular was get it out? in case i have a cut on me

Accepted Answer

Especially the dryer: The dangerous part of the venom is a protein. High dryer heat or bleach certainly will destroy it.

Question 4

is an elapid snake bite curable?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The elapid group contains ~300 species with a variety of toxins within their bite. Where access to urgent & critical care services & Antivenin is available recovery is possible, although difficult. See: www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pmc/articles/pmc172667/?Tool=pmcentrez.

Question 5

should one tourniquet a snake bite?

Accepted Answer

No!: Never place a tourniquet.  The tourniquet will only block blood flow to tissues and thus cause more damage.  The only proven effective treatment is Antivenin for a venomous snake bite, thus get to a hospital asap.

Question 6

is non venomous snake bite painful?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Non-venemous just means no toxic/dangerous substance from the snake going inside your dbody, but the punctures from the teeth can be painful in certain areas of the body--sensitive areas. Fortunately though, these are often small and only causes minor discomfort, escpecially if you have high pain tolerance..
Monitor for signs of infection...Swelling, redness, pain, puss etc...
Check with your doc.

Question 7

can non venomous snake bite be cured?

Accepted Answer

Sure: If the snake is non venomous, there is nothing to do other than clean the wound and monitor for infection. Your tetanus shot needs to be up to date as well. Otherwise you can just let it ride.

Question 8

can you die from non venomous snake bite?

Accepted Answer

Infections: Snake bite from non-poisonous snake, like any other animal bite, may introduce microbes at the site of the bite that may cause disseminated infection, which if untreated may cause death.

Question 9

is it possible for you to get rickets from a snake bite?

Accepted Answer

No: Rickets is caused by vitamin d deficiency, not a snake bite.

Question 10

is it safe to try and suck the venom out of a snake bite?

Accepted Answer

No: There is no need. Snake bites need to be seen asap. There is no need to cut and "x" in it, ice it, or suck the venom out.  Move the limb as little as possible. Have victim lie down.Apply a light constricting band about 2" above and below the bite, however never place the bands on either side of a joint (such as above and below the knee or elbow). This band should be made up of wide, soft material, .

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Medicine for snake bite

A member asked:

I am going to the ed for snake bite, what to expect?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: snake bite?

A member asked:

Hi, i had a rattle snake bite my pants today. (didn't get me) the venom is soaked on them will a regular was get it out? in case i have a cut on me

A member asked:

Is an elapid snake bite curable?

A member asked:

Should one tourniquet a snake bite?

A member asked:

Is non venomous snake bite painful?

A member asked:

Can non venomous snake bite be cured?

A member asked:

Can you die from non venomous snake bite?

A member asked:

Is it possible for you to get rickets from a snake bite?

A member asked:

Is it safe to try and suck the venom out of a snake bite?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?