Treatment of envenomization varies with the type of envenomization and the nature and severity of the symptoms. Neurotoxic envenomization is treated with specific antivenoms or with intravenously injected gluconate, epinephrine or adrenaline. Cytolytic envenomization often requires prolonged symptomatic treatment. Hemorrhagic envenomization, when severe, is treated with vitamin K. Urtication is treated by washing the skin with a bactericidal soap and a course cloth to remove any remaining hairs. Vesicating envenomization is treated by draining the blisters with a sterile hypodermic needle, followed by application of magnesium sulfate compresses, and careful disinfection of the blisters to prevent secondary infection.
Anaphylactic shock is treated by use of a tourniquet and subcutaneous injections of epinephrine.
Allergic reactions are treated symptomatically with antihistaminic, adrenergic, spasmolytic and anticholinergic drugs. Prevention of Envenomization. Prevention of envenomization differs with the species of arthropod involved. The best technique is education, especially of children, to avoid venomous forms. The information given should be pertinent to the biology of the venomous species.