Spider bite-Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures

Numerous reddened, raised welts on skin are usually attributed to spider bite either incorrectly or correctly. Though most victims believe that the pain and inflammation experienced are due to spider bite, in majority of cases spider bite are harmless. Perhaps this is the reason why most spider bites goes unnoticed as these are usually nondescript.

Poisonous and non-poisonous spiders

Majority of spider species are very small and their venom is not strong enough; therefore, their bites may not cause severe symptoms. On the other hand, some spiders are well known as venomous and may cause serious symptoms when they bite. Due to such spiders people perceive that almost all spiders are poisonous.

In United States, black widow spider bites are known to be highly poisonous. In other countries there are other species such as red- back spiders. It is said that any glossy black spider with red marking on the back can bed considered to be from the widow family. Another kind of widow spider can be brown widow spiders. These kinds of spider usually have feebler venom and are found in almost all regions of the world. The brown recluse spider is one of such known spiders from brown widow category. Though the wounds caused by brown recluse spider are much bigger, they are believed to cause lesser injury and symptoms as compared to black widow spider. Sometimes boils caused by infections such as MRSA are confused with brown recluse spider bites.

It is said that brown recluse spiders are only discovered in Southeast region of United States. It is said that there are various recluse species of spider but no other species are as poisonous as the brown recluse. These spiders as identified with a violin shape like mark seen on their rear section. Brown recluse spider may seldom lead to death; however, so far rare death cases are recorded but are seen especially in children.

There are other spiders such as white tailed spider species, wolf spider, desert recluse etc, which may result in some or the other kind of reaction when they sting you. There are approximately 37,500 species of spider in the world most of which does not result in serious symptoms.

Symptoms of Spider Bite

Understanding whether a bite is by a spider or any other cause would be very difficult. It is studied a victim with brown recluse spider bite may not identify the bite and the symptoms may start quite later than three days. This makes is nearly impossible to find the root cause of the bite. Hence in such cases the cause is usually understood looking at the symptoms of the condition.

Here are some of the localized symptoms experienced by the bitten individual:

• Reddened area at the spot of bite

• Swelling at the bitten region

• Itching sensation

• Pain at the bitten spot

If any of these localized symptoms persists or continuously aggravates for over twenty four hours, then it is a matter of concern. One should monitor if the reddened region seems to be extending. Also if you notice any fluid discharge from the bite or even the experienced pain increases then be alarmed and seek medical attention. Other possible localized symptoms may include discoloration, numbness or tingling sensation around the bitten region. If one has not obtained tetanus injection for over the recommended period then consulting a doctor is important.

It should be known that doctors may also usually misdiagnose the spider bite with other condition such as infection or other reactions. This is perhaps due to the fact that spider bite symptoms seem very similar to other signs of other physical conditions.

Anaphylaxis is believed to be one of the biggest concern in case of bug bite, may it be spider or fleas. In case the bitten individual starts experiencing allergic reaction or anaphylaxis soon after the bite, then it is crucial to call emergency services such as 911. Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis may include.

• Urticaria or hives

• Respiratory issues

• Breathlessness

• Fatigues

There are other symptoms which may not be localized, that means they may be experienced in body parts other than the bitten region. For example, the black widow spider carries a toxic which can influence muscles away from the bitten region leading to contraction as well as hindrance to the functioning of nerve. Here are some of such symptoms:

• Chills or tremors

• Head pain

• Sweating

• Pain in the body

• Muscle cramp or leg cramps

• Increase pulse rate

• Fatigue

• Pain or cramp in stomach

Spider bite treatment

It is important to consult a doctor immediately if you understand that you are bitten by a spider, even if you are not experiencing any symptom. This is crucial as you never know how your body would respond to the venomous substance injected into your body through spider sting. The first thing to do is try to understand which spider bit you; this will ease the health expert’s job.

You should clean the bitten skin region with mild detersive and clean cold water. Applying cold or even hot compresses on the spot of bite would help in all alleviating symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Though these are helpful ways to manage spider bites, efficacy of the treatment is not certain. You can always rely on medicinal treatment for bite of spider. These treatment techniques may include taking medicines such as Aspirin or acetaminophen such as Tylenol etc. The patient suffering from bite of spider can also be given anti- histamine which relieves minor symptoms such as pain and inflammation.

Before taking any medicine for treating spider bite you should consult your doctor and ensure that taking such medicines will be safe for you. If a spider bites, one should avoid doing work as it may dilate the blood vessels and increase the affect of the venom. Remember that these are basic measures and not confirmed first aid techniques for spider bite. Hence the best suggested aid to manage with spider bite well is a certified doctor.

 Spider bite pictures