Hot water for centipede bites

[Staehilomyces]

I've read on several internet pages that hot water serves to counter the effects of centipede venom if administered quickly enough. Scientifically, that makes sense, as it would denature the proteins that make up the venom. The reason I'm asking about this is that I'm intending to "take the plunge" with handling my E. rubripes. My tactic of touching the head while it is eating does not appear to be having any effect whatsoever, so I'm going to resort to the technique I used on my old S. morsitans, as well as the wild E. rubripes form Cape York, which involves short successions of freehandling. However, due to this pede's temperament, I believe there is a very real possibility of an envenomation (which I accept), and I would like to know if hot water would do anything to negate the effects of the venom. If not, I'll just endure whatever may happen anyway, but it'd be good to know if such a convenient and accessible treatment actually works.

 

[miss moxie]

I don't know anything about centipedes or their venom, but I know a bit about human biology and I'd imagine you'd have to have a tub of hot water next to you or do this by a tap with running hot water. I say that because it only takes the body about one minute to circulate blood around your entire body. Your heart pumps about six quarts of blood a minute. However-- If you're holding a centipede and you're expecting it could bite you, your heart rate is going to be elevated which means your blood is traveling through your body even faster. Add onto that the fact that once a bite actually occurs your heart will beat even faster still?

Well. Let's just say you'd have less than a minute before that venom is already throughout your entire body.

That said, I did find this article that shows a lot of promise to what you're positing as far as pain relief in the affected area.

TL;DR the whole article:

Australian centipede bites cause minor effects with moderate to severe pain, associated with localized swelling and erythema in bites by the genera Ethmostigmus and Scolopendra. Hot water immersion may potentially be beneficial for centipede bites. The genus Scolopendra occurs worldwide and the results may have international applicability.

 

[Staehilomyces]

Thanks for that. I was already considering keeping a bowl of hot water beside me when working with this centipede. With every other pede I've attempted this with, I've never had any aggression whatsoever, but I feel as though if any centipede were to bite me, it would be this one.

 

[miss moxie]

You're welcome. Good luck in your venture, hope it turns out alright.

 

[DadsGlasses]

Here is an article from NewScientist that speaks in general terms about heat & invenomation.

https://www.newscientist.com/lastword/mg18925332-500-drawing-the-sting/

 

[Ratmosphere]

Good luck man.

 

[LeFanDesBugs]

Everything's been said I guess. Good luck mate

 

[Staehilomyces]

Thanks guys! I'll go with it tomorrow, once the exams are over; I don't fancy sitting an exam with a pede bite on my hand.