Recluse Spider Bite Symptoms
The brown recluse spider bite is only one of four types of spider bites that are considered dangerous to humans. Brown recluse spiders are normally found in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. The brown recluse spider's venom is more poisonous than the venom of a rattlesnake, yet the actual bite is usually painless. The victim will start to experience symptoms two to eight hours after the bite.
Deaths due To Spider Bite
Of the four poisonous spiders, the brown recluse and the black widow are most dangerous. However, only children under the age of seven have been reported as killed due to the brown recluse spider bite. The complications of a bite can be severe for people of any age. If you suspect you have been bitten, call your doctor immediately.
Characteristics
The brown recluse spider has a similar diameter to a penny. They have a violin pattern on their head, extending to their back. They are sometimes referred to as the fiddle back, or violin spider.
Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive. They will bite when they feel threatened--for example, if they are trapped against your skin. They prefer dark, dry hiding places where they will build a small web in a crevice or corner.
Enzymes that Destroy Flesh
When the spider bites a human, it releases enzymes that can destroy skin, muscle and fat tissue. In some cases, you can lose the tissue in the bite area as it turns black and dies.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a brown recluse bite are: chills, nausea, fever, itching, sweating, red or purple skin around the bite, muscle pain and oozing at the bite. In extreme cases, these symptoms occur: coma, blood in urine, seizures and kidney failure. If you look closely at the wound, you may see fang marks.
Severe Symptoms
Usually the bite will heal in approximately one week. If it does not heal and it becomes blue and covered in blisters, watch out for necrotic lesions. Necrosis means death of the skin or surrounding tissue.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical treatment the same day you receive the bite. On your way to the doctor, elevate the area of the bite above your heart. Apply ice to the wound.
Your doctor may give you a tetanus shot, antibiotics to ward off infection and antihistamines to ward off an allergic reaction. There is no FDA-approved anti-venom to decrease or minimize the victim's symptoms. The patient will probably need to see the doctor for follow-up appointments to make sure the wound is not necrotizing (killing flesh). If bitten, you need to report the incident to the National Poison Control Center. They will also be able to answer questions and give you advice on the brown recluse spider bite.
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