adder bites or bite
Last reviewed 02/2023
The adder or viper (Vipera berus) is common throughout mainland Britain and some of the islands off the west coast of Scotland
- bites occur from February to October, peaking in June to August (1)
- about 50% of patients are bitten on the hand whilst picking up the adder
- be very reassuring as most victims are very frightened. Venom is often not injected and, when it is, reactions are often local and mild
- give paracetamol to control pain
- refer urgently to casualty department
- do not suck the wound
- immobilise the patient during urgent transfer to casualty department
- splint the arm or leg to reduce dispersal while waiting for hospital antivenom treatment if needed
- tourniquets, compression bandages and ligatures should not be used (1)
- anaphylaxis occurs in a small number of patients
- bites of foreign snakes require specialist advice and may need antiserum
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