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A serious snakebite occurs when a snake uses its fangs to inject venom into a person.

What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

• blood from the wound
• pain
• puncture wounds from fangs
• swelling
• tissue death, or necrosis

• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• excessive sweating
• fainting
• loss of muscle coordination
• nausea and vomiting
• rapid heartbeat
• seizures
• weakness

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Many species of venomous snakes can bite and poison humans. These include pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, or water moccasins. They also include tropical snakes, such as cobras, mambas, and coral snakes.

What can be done to prevent the injury?

Being alert and prepared in areas where snakes are common is the best way to prevent snakebite.

• Avoid situations in which a pet snake might be able to escape.
• Be aware that it is hard to identify a poisonous snake just by looking at it.
• Don't pick up or handle a snake without proper training.
• Keep hands and feet out of any areas that cannot be seen.
• Knock down high grass with a stick before walking through it.
• Step onto logs and then across them, rather than over them.
• Walk with a stick in front of the body, tapping on the ground to encourage snakes to move away.
• Wear boots and pants to protect legs and feet.
• Avoid situations in which a pet snake might be able to escape.
• Utilize or wear proper gear when handling a pet snake.

How is the injury recognized?

Snakebites are generally self-diagnosed. Usually, there will be two fang marks. However, one fang mark is possible.

Toxins from snakebite can cause significant problems with heart rate, blood pressure, and pain. Even when a snake is not poisonous, bacteria in its mouth can cause a serious infection.

Emergency medical care for all snakebites is crucial. Pit vipers can deliver hemotoxins. These poisons work with other toxins to break down blood cells and tissue. That causes tissue in the area surrounding the bite to die.

Many snakes from tropical areas and coral snakes have a poison called a neurotoxin. It interferes with the nerve impulses to the muscles. Bites from these snakes can be more dangerous and deadly than those from pit vipers. Emergency medical treatment is needed immediately.

What are the treatments for the injury?

Antivenins are neutralizing antibodies used to counter poison from snakebites. These medicines are very expensive. It is always wise, if possible, to call ahead to the emergency department to ensure that antivenin is available.

Antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone (i.e., Rocephin), are often given when a person is bitten by a nonpoisonous snake.

A tetanus booster, using the DTaP shot may be given to protect the individual from tetanus organisms introduced into the wound.

• The victim should be kept calm. The site of the bite should be kept below the level of the heart. Movement should be limited. This helps keep poisons from circulating quickly in the blood.
• Do not wash or rub the area around the bite.
• Any constricting items, such as rings, should be removed.
• Cover the area with a clean, dry pad.
• If elastic bandages are available, wrap them firmly (not constricting) around the area. Start wrapping at the point furthest from the heart and wrap toward the heart.
• The victim should be watched closely to make sure he or she is breathing.
• If the snake is dead, it should be taken to the emergency department so that it can be identified.

The victim may show signs of shock, such as rapid breathing or loss of consciousness. In this case, the helper should lay the victim flat and raise the feet about 12 inches above the level of the head. The victim should be covered with a blanket. The emergency medical system should be contacted immediately.

• Cuts should not be made in the skin near the bite.
• No attempt should be make to suck venom out of the bite.
• A tourniquet, or tight cord, should not be applied near the wound.
• The victim should not be given anything to eat or drink.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antivenin and antibiotics may cause allergic reactions. Antivenin may also cause serum sickness, an immune system problem that causes joint pain and interferes with kidney function.

What happens after treatment for the injury?

People given antivenin usually recover fairly quickly. However, any tissue destroyed before antivenin was administered must heal. This can take weeks or months. If a large area was affected, skin grafts and other types of surgery may be needed.

People requiring antibiotics after a bite from a nonpoisonous snake usually recover well. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.