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Spider Bites Indiana Article
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Brown Recluse Spider Bites Call For Medical Attention
The good news is that brown recluse spider bites are not terribly common. The bad news is that when these creepy crawlers do bite, medical attention is generally advised.
Brown recluse spider bites can cause serious problems, so immediate first aid and medical review of the bite is likely in order.
Found primarily in the Midwest and Southeastern United States, brown recluse spiders are known for their distinct violin pattern on their cephalothorax. Brown recluse spider bites are not generally easy to spot – at first.
The initial bite is generally quite painless. At the most, it will feel like a bee sting. Within a few hours, however, the real symptoms of brown recluse spider bites appear.
In most cases, brown recluse spider bites tend to become rather painful. Victims might feel pain, itching, nausea, fever and even start vomiting.
After the initial bite, the bitten area will appear red and will likely have fang marks. Eventually, brown recluse spider bites will blister and may even lead to necrosis of the skin.
Initial first aid for brown recluse spider bites involves very basic steps. Ice may be applied to lessen swelling. The area should be washed with cool water and soap and elevated.
Strenuous activity should be avoided. It is not smart to apply heat to an area where brown recluse spider bites have taken place. Also, creams should not be applied and suction should not be used to remove the venom.
The best bet if brown recluse spider bites are suspected is to seek medical attention immediately.
Because brown recluse spider bites can cause serious complications in some people, medical attention is always advised.
Although brown recluse spiders do have a nasty reputation, fatality is usually not a concern, but it is not out of the question. In some cases, these bites can leave incredibly nasty reminders behind.
Due to concerns about secondary infections, it is not uncommon for these bites to involve hospitalization as part of the treatment. Antibiotics are also normally prescribed to ward off infection. If necrosis of the bite area does present, plastic surgeons may be called in on the case to help.
Brown recluse spider bites are rather uncommon outside of the spiders' main territory. Only a few cases have been reported in states outside the Midwest and Southeast.
If a brown recluse bite is suspected, immediate first aid and professional medical attention is strongly urged, however. Bites can cause serious complications with the affected skin and may lead to secondary infections that can be quite dangerous.
While these bites are not very common, immediate action should be taken if brown recluse spider bites are suspected.