What kind of insect bite can cause numbness?
Jul 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, insect bites or stings that generally cause numbness include those from scorpions, centipedes, venomous spiders, hornets, and rove beetles. After a scorpion's tail stinger punctures the skin, its venom, which contains neurotoxins, acts on the nervous system, leading to numbness at the sting site and surrounding areas. This may also be accompanied by severe pain and swelling, with serious cases potentially spreading to the entire body.
Generally speaking, insect bites or stings that commonly cause numbness include those from scorpions, centipedes, venomous spiders, wasps, and rove beetles. The details are as follows:
1. Scorpions: Scorpion stings deliver venom containing neurotoxins that act on the nervous system, causing numbness at and around the sting site. This may also be accompanied by severe pain and swelling, with symptoms potentially spreading throughout the body in severe cases.
2. Centipedes: Centipede venom contains histamine-like substances and hemolytic proteins. In addition to local redness, swelling, and pain, the toxins may cause numbness at the bite site and surrounding skin. Some individuals may also experience systemic reactions such as dizziness and nausea.
3. Venomous Spiders: The venom injected by a spider bite contains neurotoxins that interfere with local nerve conduction, causing numbness at the bite site. Over time, muscle spasms and pain may develop, and in severe cases, the nervous system throughout the body may be affected.
4. Wasps: Wasp venom contains components such as histamine and serotonin. After a sting, local redness and pain typically occur. In some individuals, nerve irritation caused by the toxins may lead to numbness at the sting site. Those with allergic constitutions may experience more severe reactions.
5. Rove Beetles: The body fluid of rove beetles contains irritating toxins. Although not a bite, contact with the skin can trigger an inflammatory reaction. In addition to redness and blisters, some people may experience numbness and burning pain at the contact site, affecting local nerve sensation.
If numbness, worsening swelling, or systemic discomfort occurs after being bitten by any of the above insects, the wound should immediately be washed with clean water, and prompt medical attention should be sought to avoid delays in treatment.
