 Overview
The
brown recluse spider lives in the Southern United States.
There are ten different Recluse species, six of which are confirmed to be
poisonous. The spiders are tan to brown and most species exhibit a
violin-shaped marking on the top of the cephalothorax. They tend to
live in dark dry spaces such as attics, closets and wood piles, and generally
they are not aggressive but will bite when forced to. |
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The bite generally causes some mild stinging or burning
and the surrounding region will usually form a surprisingly large ulcer of dead tissue
within several hours. The initial lesion may be red, or white and
may later may develop a blue-gray halo around the puncture. Later
symptoms may include:
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- fever
- chills
- malaise
- rash
- nausea
- vomiting
- joint pain
- diarrhea
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- In advanced cases, there may be
- shock
- kidney failure
- seizures
- coma
- death (usually in the old and young)
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Immobilize
the wounded region and apply a cold compress. Survival past 48 hours usually indicates
that recovery will follow.
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The symptoms at
the time of the bite may not appear to be very severe and may take a while to
progress to a more severe state. Nonetheless, immediate treatment is
important to minimize the significant damage that WILL follow. |
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© Sawyer Products |
Once again, a snakebite kit such as the Sawyer Extractor™
may help remove some of the venom.
The patient should be taken to an Emergency Room for treatment. If
possible, bring the spider for identification.
With proper care the ulceration may take six weeks to heal, though
some never do. Amputation may be necessary. |
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