Bite from a large nonpoisonous snake or lizard

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Bite from a large nonpoisonous snake or lizard

A bite from a nonpoisonous (nonvenomous) large snake or lizard may cause only a minor injury. Use home treatment measures to take care of the wound, help relieve symptoms, and prevent infection.

The force of the jaws of a large snake or lizard can cause a crushing, or compression, injury. These injuries can cause severe swelling and may damage underlying tissues, blood vessels, nerves, joints, or bones. The force may cause the skin to split open or scrape off. There is an increased risk of infection because of decreased blood flow to the area and tissue death.

Evaluation by a health professional is needed if any of the following symptoms occur during home treatment:

• Tingling, burning, numbness, or a "pins-and-needles" feeling (paresthesia)
• Skin becomes pale and cold to the touch (pallor)
• Inability to move your limb normally (not because of pain)
• Severe pain
• A lot of swelling within 30 minutes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild difficulty breathing
• Signs of a skin infection

Medical treatment may be needed to prevent loss of function, restore circulation to the injured area, and prevent infection. If you suspect a tooth is still in the bite wound and you are unable to remove it, medical evaluation is needed to prevent complications and infection.

Occasionally, snake or lizard bites can cause allergic reactions that range from mild to severe, sudden, and life-threatening. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) require emergency treatment.

Credits

Last updated:	June 19, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer