In France, the viper is the most dangerous snake (apart from a few exotic snakes considered as new pets and living in vivariums among reptiles fans). Each year there are between 100 and 500 viper bites.

More common, the snake is more fear than harm: if this snake can bite us, do not panic so far. The snake is not dangerous and, in case of bite, unlike the viper, our life is not in danger.

Logic therefore, snake bites are not all treated in the same way. Explanations.

How to recognize a viper bite and a snake bite?

It is the pain felt that can detect whether it is a bite of a viper or a snake bite.
- Within 15 minutes after the bite of the viper edema is formed on the affected area, causing a sharp pain. And for good reason, the viper lays her venom very easily under our skin with its hooks forward.
- The snake bite is more like a pinch : no edema and no real pain. Why ? The snake has the particularity of having hooks so far in the mouth, she can not implant them in the skin when she bites.

How to cure a viper bite?

- The first reflex: call the SAMU (15). Hospital care is mandatory in case of viper bite. Lack of speed can cost the victim life, viper bite can be deadly.
- While waiting for help, take care to lengthen the victim and calm down: the venom spreads faster in the body if one is agitated or if one remains standing.
- We remove everything that can do tourniquet around the wound (bracelet, sleeves, armbands ...). And if it is possible, we deposit ice on the edema formed by the viper bite.
- Not to be done : try to suck the venom with your mouth. In case of a small oral wound, the venom can spread in the body. The aspi-venin sold in pharmacy have, meanwhile, not proven effective on snake bites, so they drop (they are more useful for wasp stings).
- It is also thought to check whether the victim's tetanus vaccine is up to date. Doctors will ask you for this key info.

How to cure a snake bite?

Without great danger, the bite of snake treats very well at home without requiring hospital care.
- We start by cleaning the bite of snake with water and soap.
- The wound is then disinfected by applying a chlorhexidine disinfectant.
- As a precaution, we can make a phone call to the nearest poison control center, to describe what happened and the state of the bite.
- It is also thought to check whether the victim's tetanus vaccine is up to date.

Thanks to Sandrine Rousselot, pharmacist, National Order of Pharmacists