A 21-year-old woman from São Vicente, Brazil, had a terrifying and painful wake-up call when a centipede crawled onto her face and bit her upper lip while she slept — leaving her swollen, bleeding, and in excruciating pain.

Nataly Galdino, who later shared the ordeal on Instagram, said she awoke in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in her mouth and soon realized something was very wrong.

“I was sleeping and, in the middle of the night, I felt something prick my upper lip,” she wrote. “I saw it was stuck to my blanket and its claw was in my mouth. But it was dark, so all I did was pull.”

What followed was a five-second struggle to remove whatever was gripping her face. In the confusion and darkness, Nataly tugged at the unknown creature, not knowing the extent of the injury. When she turned on the light, she was stunned: her mouth was bleeding, and a large centipede lay on the floor nearby.

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🏥 “Unbearable Pain” and a Hospital Visit

Nataly said the pain was immediate and intense — and her lip began to swell rapidly.

“My mouth immediately started to swell, and I ran to the hospital,” she said.

Worried not only about the pain but also about shortness of breath that followed, she sought urgent medical help. Doctors at the hospital administered antihistamines, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and counter any effects from the centipede’s venom.

While centipede venom is rarely fatal to humans, bites can cause severe localized reactions, especially when delivered to sensitive areas such as the face or lips.

Nataly remained in the hospital for monitoring and spent two full days recovering at home, as the swelling slowly subsided.

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💋 “Angelina Jolie Lips” — But Not the Glamorous Kind

As a result of the bite, Nataly was left with massively swollen lips, which she jokingly described as giving her a temporary “Angelina Jolie” look — though she admitted the experience was far from glamorous.

“It was nerve-racking,” she recalled. “I didn’t know much about centipedes — if their venom was poisonous or if I was going to die.”

Her emotional response highlights the fear and uncertainty that often come with unexpected interactions with venomous or unfamiliar creatures, particularly in areas where they may enter homes unnoticed.

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🌿 A Warning for Others: “Be Aware of Your Surroundings”

Centipedes are typically nocturnal and prefer dark, humid environments, which means bathrooms, basements, and even bedrooms can attract them — especially in tropical or coastal regions like São Vicente.

Following her ordeal, Nataly issued a warning to others:

“Pay attention to your surroundings. I hope no one else has to go through something like this.”

She also urged people to take simple precautions, such as:

• Shaking out blankets and sheets before bed

• Sealing cracks or gaps where insects might enter

• Keeping living spaces clean and dry

• Avoiding clutter where pests can hide

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🐛 What to Know About Centipede Bites

While most centipede bites aren’t life-threatening, they can still cause:

• Intense pain at the bite site

• Swelling and redness

• Numbness or tingling

• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

Medical attention is recommended if a centipede bite occurs on the face, near the eyes or lips, or if the person experiences trouble breathing, dizziness, or signs of infection.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Nataly’s frightening encounter is a vivid reminder that even within the comfort of our own homes, nature sometimes sneaks in. Her story not only raised awareness about the potential dangers of insect bites but also offered an important message:

"Don’t take your safety indoors for granted. Stay alert — even while you sleep."