$Unique_ID{BRK02360}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What About Spider Bites?}
$Subject{spider bite biting bites black widow brown recluse chest abdominal
pain breathing headache swollen face fever chills sweating salivation shock
antivenin red raised spot blister ulcer weakness nausea hives spiders poison
poisoning poisoned nerves nerve skin poisonous headaches}
$Volume{O-2,O-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What About Spider Bites?


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QUESTION:  The doctor in the emergency room told me that the mark on my hand
was a spider bite.  However, he said my condition was such that there was
nothing much to worry about, but that I was lucky.  All of which leads to my
question.  How do you treat a spider bite?  I have a new interest in the
subject.

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ANSWER:  With great respect and diligent care!  The treatment for a spider
bite depends on what type of spider did the biting.  In the United States,
only two spiders have potentially dangerous bites:  the black widow spider and
the brown recluse spider.
     Within a few hours after a black widow spider bite, the victim develops
severe chest or abdominal pain and may have labored breathing, headache,
swollen face, fever, chills, profuse sweating and salivation, or shock.  Ice
packs should be put over the site of the bite, and the site may be injected
with an anesthetic and corticosteroids.  An antivenin is available to counter
the toxin of various spiders in the black widow family.
     There is no antivenin for the brown recluse, and symptoms of a bite will
be treated as they arise.  Over the few days to weeks after a bite, a red
raised spot or blister will develop at the site and an ulcer may form.  This
sore may last for months.  Other symptoms may include weakness, nausea, hives,
and some blood and kidney problems.
     Now that you know what might have happen, you can appreciate just why
your doctor felt you were lucky, indeed.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.