Spider bites can be painful and scary-looking, but most of them are not poisonous. In fact, the main risk of poisonous spider bites in the United States comes from Brown Recluse and Black Widows. The good news is that the bites are not commonly fatal, especially if proper treatment is available. Let’s take a look at some important things to consider before, during and after a bite from one of these venomous spiders.
Black Widows
Black Widow spiders rarely kill people, but children seem to be the most susceptible to their venom. They prefer warm climates and tend to build webs and live in dark, undisturbed places. They can grow up to an inch and a half long, and they are known to become aggressive when defending their webs.
Black widow bites can produce swelling and the presence of fang marks, and symptoms can begin to develop within an hour. However, it is more common for symptoms to start to appear between six and 12 hours after exposure. Bites are generally painful, and symptoms can range from chest pain and dangerously high blood pressure to severe chills, vomiting or shock. Victims can also go into shock or develop a severe headache.
The best thing to do after being bitten is to apply an ice pack to the affected area and remain calm. It is not recommended to try and suck fluid from the wound or apply a tourniquet to limit the spread of venom. Seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Brown Recluse
Brown Recluse spiders also prefer to live in dark, undisturbed locations in warm climates. They only grow to about a ½ inch long, and their bites are considered to be the most dangerous. Symptoms can take up to a day to develop, and the wound can expand and develop an ugly, ulcerous appearance. This ulcer can take up to a week to form and may require months of treatment before it heals.
Some victims develop symptoms that impact entire systems in the body, primarily in the form of pain in the joints, nausea, vomiting and a rash. Destruction of blood cells, clotting, coma and kidney damage are also possible in severe cases. Applying a cold-pack or a snug bandage over the wound will help to slow the spread of venom through the body.
In both cases, it is important to become aware of the symptoms in order to determine whether or not medical attention is necessary. Some people can shrug-off the bite whereas others can develop severe reactions that can lead to life-threatening situations.
Make sure to cover the skin before working, playing or entering areas where the webs and spiders may be located. This simple precaution can minimize exposure and reduce the chances of being bitten. If bitten, make sure to be mindful of symptoms and seek medical help as soon as they develop. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the impact that these bites can have on the body.
