How to Treat a Centipede Bite at Home

Are Centipedes Venomous?

Yes, centipedes are venomous. Their first pair of legs is modified into venom claws (forcipules) used for hunting and self-defense. But centipede venom is far less potent than snake or scorpion venom and does not pose a life-threatening risk to people.

How Centipede Venom Works

• The venom claws are like a pair of sharp hooks that inject venom when they seize prey
• The venom contains various proteins and enzymes that paralyze small insects and begin digesting tissue
• It's lethal to small prey (roaches, spiders, ants, etc.), immobilizing them in seconds
• For humans, the venom dose is too small, it only causes a localized reaction

Symptoms of a Centipede Bite

1. Intense pain, The bite feels like a bee sting multiplied by ten; the sharp pain lasts for hours
2. Redness and heat, The area around the bite rapidly becomes red and swollen, and feels warm to the touch
3. Localized itching, After the pain subsides, itching may follow
4. Swollen lymph nodes, Nearby lymph nodes may swell in severe cases
5. Systemic reaction, A very small number of people may experience dizziness, nausea, or heart palpitations (usually caused by anxiety)

How to Treat a Centipede Bite

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain (10-15 minutes at a time)
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen orally for pain relief
• Apply calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream topically for itching
• In the vast majority of cases, no medical attention is needed, redness and swelling peak at 24-48 hours, then gradually subside; full healing takes 1-3 days
• Avoid scratching the bite to prevent secondary bacterial infection

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if you develop difficulty breathing, a body-wide rash, throat swelling, rapid heartbeat, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction, or if the wound becomes infected with pus.