Snake and Lizard Bites

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Do you know what type of snake or lizard bit you? What did the snake or lizard look like? How big was the snake or lizard? Did it rattle?
• When did the bite occur?
• Where were you bitten?
• How many times were you bitten?
• What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help? Be sure to include nonprescription medicines you have taken or used. Did they help?
• Have you been treated for a snakebite in the past? If yes, what type of treatment did you receive?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicine do you take?
• How long ago was your last tetanus shot?
• Do you have any health risks?

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Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA	Last Updated: July 20, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
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