centipede bite centipede bite a centipede bite is an injury resulting from the action of a centipede's forcipules, stinger-like appendages that pierce the skin and inject venom into the wound. such a wound is not strictly speaking a bite, as the forcipules are a modified first pair of legs rather than true mouthparts. clinically, the wound is viewed as a cutaneous condition characterized by paired hemorrhagic marks that form a chevron shape caused by the paired forcipules. centipede biteunderside of scolopendra cingulata, showing the forcipules the centipede's venom causes pain and swelling in the area of the bite, and may cause other reactions throughout the body. the majority of bites are not life-threatening to humans and present the greatest risk to children and those who develop allergic reactions. symptoms and signs symptoms which are most likely to develop include: pain, swelling and redness minor bleeding itching and burning sensations. other symptoms such as hardening of the skin and tissue death may also occur. in rare cases, wells syndrome may also develop. diagnosis treatment centipedes bites, while painful, rarely cause severe health complications in people. at-home treatments can be effective at reducing pain and symptoms. centipede venoms are heat-labile, and warm-water immersion may help reduce pain and swelling. society and culture naturalist jacques-henri bernardin de saint-pierre reported that his dog developed a serious ulcer after a centipede bite during travels in mauritius. youtube personality coyote peterson has been intentionally bitten by scolopendra heros (giant desert centipede) and declares that the pain caused by the bite is worse than a bullet ant sting. thai dokmaipa por pongsawang died after a bite from an arthropod described as a takhap (large centipede). taiwanese difang duana's death was accelerated by a centipede bite six moths earlier. both pongsawang and duana were diabetic.