| Author | Dr. Alex Thorne |
| Credentials | Board-Certified Entomologist and Clinical Toxicologist |
| Author Bio | Dr. Thorne specializes in venom research and emergency first aid. |
| Medically Reviewed By | Dr. Elara Vance, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. (Board Certified Emergency Medicine) on October 25, 2025. |
| š” Quick Answer |
| Centipede bites (envenomation) are characterized by immediate, sharp pain often followed by an intense, throbbing or burning sensation that can last several hours. Unlike insect stings, centipedes inject venom through specialized front legs called forcipules, leaving two distinct puncture marks. While usually not dangerous to healthy adults, the large tropical species (Scolopendra) can cause severe pain and temporary systemic symptoms like nausea and headache. Treatment is primarily pain management using cold compresses and oral analgesics. |
Symptoms by Centipede Type
All centipedes are venomous, but the severity of the reaction depends entirely on the species. The common House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is rarely able to puncture human skin.
| Centipede Type | Venom/Toxin | Common Symptoms | Severity/Duration |
| Giant Tropical Centipedes (Scolopendra spp.) | Potent cytotoxic venom (causes cell damage). | Immediate, excruciating pain, severe swelling, discoloration (red/purple), and local numbness. | Pain can last hours to over 24 hours. May cause temporary systemic symptoms (headache, nausea). |
| House Centipede (Scutigera spp.) | Very weak or localized venom. | Mild, localized pain and slight redness; often compared to a bee sting. | Symptoms usually subside quickly (within minutes to an hour). |
Common Local Symptoms (All Species)
- Pain: Sharp, instantaneous pain followed by a deep, throbbing ache or burning sensation.
- Bite Mark: Two visible puncture marks (from the forcipules).
- Local Reaction: Redness, swelling, and localized heat around the bite.
2. Centipede Bite First Aid
Most centipede bites require only supportive care to manage the intense pain.
- Clean the Area: Immediately wash the wound with soap and water to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
- Pain Management (Crucial): Apply a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the site to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Elevation: Elevate the affected limb (if the bite is on an arm or leg) to help reduce swelling.
- Oral Analgesics: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen (NSAID) or Acetaminophen, to help control pain and inflammation.
3. When to Seek Medical Care
While fatalities are extremely rare, professional medical support may be necessary to manage intense pain, especially in children, or to monitor for systemic effects.
- Severe Systemic Symptoms (Requires Immediate ER Visit):
- Widespread hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing (signs of an allergic reaction).
- High fever, severe headache, confusion, or severe nausea and vomiting.
- Signs of shock (pale skin, rapid heart rate).
- Pediatric/Vulnerable Patients: Infants, small children, and elderly individuals with pre-existing heart or health conditions should be medically evaluated, especially after a bite from a large centipede, due to their higher risk of severe systemic effects.
- Signs of Infection: If the wound shows spreading redness, pus drainage, or increased pain after the first 48 hours.
For the nature of the pain and systemic effects from large centipedes, refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) StatPearls guide on Centipede Stings.
Final Thoughts
A centipede bite can be an unpleasant surprise ā painful, alarming, and occasionally serious if not treated properly. While most centipede bites are not life-threatening, knowing the centipede bite symptoms helps you respond quickly and avoid complications.
Centipedes are venomous arthropods that inject toxins through their sharp front legs (forcipules) when they bite in self-defense. The venom contains enzymes and histamine-like compounds that cause localized pain and inflammation. Depending on the species and the personās sensitivity, centipede bite symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe swelling and burning pain.
The most common centipede bite symptoms include:
Immediate sharp pain or burning sensation at the bite site.
Redness and swelling, often spreading around the affected area.
Two small puncture marks where the centipedeās claws pierced the skin.
Localized itching and tenderness that can last several hours.
Numbness or tingling in some cases.
For sensitive individuals, additional symptoms such as headache, fever, dizziness, or nausea may occur. Rarely, allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing or excessive swelling ā requiring urgent medical care.
When bitten, first wash the area with soap and warm water to remove dirt and bacteria. Apply a cold compress for 10ā15 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, and antihistamines may reduce itching and swelling.
