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Spider Bites
Identifying Spider Bites

Arachnids, particularly spiders, have a fearful notion on humans. Not only do they scare us in movies, but actual events have permitted us to conclude that spiders do cause critical harm through their stings or bites. Like some other insect bites, some may be harmless but there are a number of spider bites that we must be aware of.

In Northern America there are six known spider species which inflict certain harm to people. These kinds of spiders include Black Widow, Sac, Brown Recluse, Brown Widow, Red-Legged Widow, and Varied Widow. It's amazing to note that majority of these spiders are females and are known to their dangerous bites. In Australia, the notorious spider is named Funnel-Web. Although death from this spider happens in very rare cases, still treatment must be immediate to prevent further infection to the bitten individual.

Let us try to see some of the attributes of these known spiders:

  • Black Widow You can easily spot a black widow with a red hourglass mark at its belly. It is the female black widow that gives the more dangerous bite. Its bite may be compared with that of a pinprick but may lead to faint red marks and eventually swelling of the skin. Within hours, the victim may experience stiffness and intense pain. Black widow bites also have other symptoms of fever, chills, nausea, and severe abdominal pain. More information on Black Widow Spiders.
     
  • Brown Recluse Spider While the black widow has an hourglass as its mark, the brown recluse on the other hand has a violin-shaped distinction on its top. Brown recluse spiders produce only a mild sting on their bites. There may appear liquid blisters at the bitten area but eventually descend to leave a deep swelling. The brown recluse bites may cause mild fever or nausea on the patient. However death may result to child victims on very rare occasions. More information on Brown Recluse Spiders.

  • Hobo Spiders Tegenaria agretis is the scientific name for the common hobo spiders. This creature is a European settler that has only been considered as a poisonous spider that resides in the United States. Hobo spiders are also commonly named aggressive house spider, Northwestern brown spider, and rarely called Walckenaer spider. To clearly distinguish the spider's name among others, the American Arachnological Society has recognized "hobo spider" as its certified name. The named "hobo" is associated with the spider's migrating to far cities via railways. More information on Hobo Spiders.

  • Sac Spiders Originally from Ohio, sac spiders are common in households. They enter the homes to look for insects as their preys. Naturally sac spiders do not attack unless provoked or trapped. Bites occur usually at night because of the nocturnal nature of sac spiders. Although non-toxic to humans, bites of sac spiders can cause damage to the tissue and may leave a large open wound.
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Medical Attention

Since spider bites can be fatal, it is mandated that you seek immediate medical attention after any spider bite. For poisonous spider bites like that of the black widow, an antivenom treatment may be necessary. Medications must be at early stages for brown recluse spider bites.

Always consult your physician for any medication or treatment. Avoid applying remedies on your own.


Bite Treatments

Treatment of Spider Bites

Soap and water will always be basic step in every insect bite, which goes as well for spider bites. Cold compresses are effective to alleviate swellings and redness of the bitten skin tissue. In terms of medication, 20 to 50 mg of diphenhydramine tablets will cure the itch. But this should be taken every 6 hours. For patients who may suffer pain due to the bites, 1 to 2 tablets of acetaminophen will do to ease the discomfort.

Do's and Don'ts:

  • Do not take antibiotics. It has proven that they do not really produce a remedial effect on spider bites. 
  • Do not take ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin.
  • Do not try to dissect open a wound for it may lead to further infection.
  • Do not prolong symptoms or infections relating to the bite without consulting your doctor. Some bites need immediate medical care to prevent further complications.

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