According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snake bites belong to the top 20 “neglected tropical diseases” in the world, joining other health issues like rabies, leprosy, African sleeping sickness, and Dengue fever. Death from snake bites averages at 100,000 each year globally, and injured (and even crippled) millions every year.
In the United States, snakes bite between 7,000 and 8,000 people each year, based on statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Without seeking emergency medical care, death rates from poisonous snake bites would be significantly higher.
VENOMOUS SNAKES
There are four types of venomous snakes in the United States: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins and coral snakes.
Rattlesnake
The largest venomous snake in the U.S., rattlesnake bites are on the rise, but they do their best to alert before striking. If you hear a rattle and a hiss, chances are you’ve wandered into a rattlesnake’s territory.
Copperhead
A medium-sized snake, averaging between 2 and 3 feet in length, the copperhead is one of the more common snakes in the U.S. They are named for their copper-red head. Their lighter tan or salmon-toned body is crisscrossed with brown markings, similar to an hourglass or dumbbell.
Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin
North America’s only poisonous water snake, the water moccasin, or cottonmouth, is at home both on shore and in the water. They are most commonly found in the southeastern United States, as far north as Virginia, and as far west as Texas. They like fresh water ponds, lakes, streams, swamps and marshes; however, they also dwell in drainage ditches.
Coral Snakes
Small and colorful, coral snakes have the strongest venom of any snake in North America. They are second only to the black mamba, the snake with the deadliest venom on the planet. These small snakes are 18 inches to 20 inches long and are very slender, almost pencil-like.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET BITTEN BY A SNAKE?
A snake can strike quickly, biting with extreme force, and then slither away just as fast. Many snake bites occur when people are working in their yards or gardens, when children are playing by a creek or in a wooded area, and when taking part in recreational activities. All of this to say that a snake can strike virtually any time, anywhere.
When you are first struck, you may notice two puncture wounds and experience quite shocking pain. Some describe the pain as being stung by a thousand bees, all in the same spot. Swelling and redness appear quite quickly with the most bites; however, when bitten by a coral snake, symptoms, including pain, may not appear for 12–18 hours.
If a venomous snake bites you, the bite will likely introduce venom into your system. This is called “envenomation.” Remaining calm, and being as still as possible is vital; the more active the victim of a bite is, the faster that the venom can spread throughout the body. If possible, carry the victim, even if the wound is not on the leg or foot.
Because even non-venomous snakes can carry bacteria and viruses in their mouths, it is highly recommended that all snake bites be treated by emergency personnel and physicians, even when symptoms seem mild, or non-existent.
5 NATURAL TREATMENTS TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF SNAKE BITES
Lavender Essential Oil. Feeling stress and anxiety is universal after a snake bite. Remaining calm, and still is essential, particularly when bitten by a venomous snake as an increased heart rate can cause the toxins to spread more quickly. Use a few drops of lavender essential oil or another essential oil for anxiety behind the ears, or just sniff directly out of the bottle to speed relief.
Tea Tree Oil. After a bite, cleaning the area thoroughly is important. Using a natural antibacterial cleanser, specifically one that contains tea tree oil, can be helpful. Wrap with a clean dry bandage; do not wrap too tightly. Follow directions if 911 instruct you not to cleanse the area, particularly after a rattlesnake, copperhead, coral snake or water moccasin bite.
Echinacea. Echinacea is a powerful immune system booster, pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It fights infections and is useful in wound healing. Research shows that Echinacea purpura root extract reduces regulatory T cell numbers and function, enhancing immune system function. If you’ve been treated for a venomous snake bite, talk to your doctor before taking an echinacea supplement as it may interact with prescribed medications. Follow the recommended guidelines for dosing and only purchase high-quality echinacea supplements.
Coconut Oil. It fights bacteria, viruses, and parasites and coconut oil has been shown to aid in the healing of wounds. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the wound and wrap with a bandage to speed healing. A study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that when applied topically, virgin coconut oil-treated wounds healed much faster than the two other control groups.
Turmeric. After a trauma where you absorb a toxin — like a snake bite — you may feel inflammation, pain and continuing adverse effects for days, weeks or even months. Taking a high-quality turmeric supplement and adding turmeric to your diet can help ease the pain and reduce inflammation. However, if the bite was from a venomous snake, check with your doctor prior to taking it as some types of snake venom affect blood coagulation.
PRECAUTIONS: SNAKE BITE FIRST AID
Snake bites from venomous and non-venomous snakes can cause long-lasting health problems and even death. Seeking proper medical treatment as soon as possible is imperative. Follow these guidelines fast in case of a snake bite:
Remove tight clothing and jewelry before swelling begins.
Remain calm and move away from the snake. They can, and will, strike again.
Keep the bite area at or below the level of the heart.
Clean the wound, but don’t flush it with water.
Do not use a tourniquet.
Do not apply ice or heat.
Apply a clean, dry bandage.
Do not take any pain medication or allergy medication.
Do not cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
Avoid caffeine or alcohol as this will speed the rate of absorption of the toxin.
Keep as still as possible; carry the victim, if possible, to get help.
Do not try to capture the snake; take a picture if it is safe to do so, or make a note of color, markings and shape of the head.
With a marker, draw a border around redness, swelling and bruising every 15 minutes.