What to Do About a Gecko Bite? Proper Treatment Methods Explained

The gecko is a type of lizard, also known as shougong, climbing gecko, four-legged snake, and so on. Its body is covered with granular scales or mixed with tubercular scales, and the tips of its fingers and toes have adhesive ability, allowing it to crawl quickly on walls, ceilings, or smooth surfaces. Common species in China include the many-tubercled gecko, the webless gecko, and the web-toed gecko. Let's take a look below at what to do if a gecko bites you!

What Should You Do If a Gecko Bites You?

Most gecko species are non-venomous and usually do not bite people, but they will bite in self-defense. However, there is no need to worry too much, because even if bitten, there is generally no serious harm, as geckos have very little strength and no sharp teeth. After being bitten by a gecko, you can apply iodine tincture to disinfect the wound and prevent infection, and there will basically be no problem. If there is redness and swelling, it is best to go to the hospital for a checkup.

Why Is the Gecko One of the Five Poisonous Creatures?

Although the gecko is one of the five poisonous creatures, it is not actually toxic itself, and there has long been a misunderstanding about it. Since ancient times, folklore has held that gecko urine is extremely toxic: it blinds if it gets into the eyes, deafens if it gets into the ears, causes ulcers if dripped onto the body, and causes poisoning and death if one eats food that a gecko has crawled over. It was even said that "the shougong is extremely lustful, loves water, and mates whenever it encounters water; its essence is highly toxic, and if a person eats it, they will dissolve into pus." Therefore, in ancient times it was listed among the "five poisonous creatures" (scorpion, snake, centipede, gecko, toad). But in fact, aside from a few species that carry venom, most geckos are non-venomous.

What Kinds of Geckos Are There?

1. Tokay gecko: The tokay gecko is the largest type of gecko. It mostly inhabits crevices in overhanging cliffs and rock faces, and a few also live in tree holes. In China, it is distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hong Kong, China, Fujian, Yunnan, and other places.

2. Many-tubercled gecko: The many-tubercled gecko, also known as the four-legged snake, often inhabits forests, deserts, grasslands, and residential areas. It has been listed in the "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals under State Protection That Are Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Research Value."

3. Webless gecko: The webless gecko is a species endemic to China. It is not only a predator of agricultural and forestry pests, but also a traditional Chinese medicinal material, with effects such as tonifying the lungs and benefiting the kidneys and relieving cough. It often inhabits crevices in buildings, rock cracks, under stones, and on trees.

4. Web-toed gecko: The web-toed gecko is distributed in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and other places. It has been listed in the "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals under State Protection That Are Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Research Value."