Spider bites are no joke, and the warm weather we all enjoy in summer time means more spiders swinging about. Some are just a nuisance, but some are dangerous and bites require treatment right away. Here’s what you need to know about spider bites.
Even big spiders are a lot smaller than you (in the US, at least!), so a spider may feel threatened if you unintentionally come too close. Here are places where you should use caution, because a spider might be in residence:
· Cool corners of the garage
· Piles of leaves
· Closets
· Gardens
· Basements
· Quiet and dark places!
It’s always a good idea to look before you reach, and wear gloves if you’re gardening or clearing out the garage. If you do get bitten, take a good look at your spider for identification purposes, or even take a picture if you can. The symptoms and appearance of the bite can often tell doctors what kind of spider bit you, but it’s best to know immediately if you’ve received a bite from a poisonous spider.
Poisonous Spiders in the US
There are only two poisonous spiders native to the warmer states in the US: Black widows and Brown recluse spiders.
Black Widow Spiders
http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/black-widow-spider-gm637917794-114053815 (caption Black Widow)
The good news is, only the female spiders have venom. If you are bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include drooling, sweating, nausea, headache and muscle cramps. Two puncture marks will be visible at the location where you were bitten. There is an antivenom that you need to take ASAP.
Brown Recluse
http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/mature-brown-recluse-walking-across-a-white-table-gm486289977-38985534 (caption Brown Recluse Spider)
A bite from a brown recluse spider will develop a red or purple ring around the puncture site within hours. The venom attacks the tissue and can cause necrosis or tissue death in severe cases. See a doctor right away! Antibiotics will help your body fight the infection and speed healing.
Bites from any of the many other spiders you may come into contact with can be painful and itchy, and irritating. But not life threatening. People can be allergic to spider bites, similar to bee stings. So always be cautious and see a doctor if symptoms get worse or last longer than a few days.
In Bucks County, Patient Care Now Urgent Care treats spider bites, bee stings, and any other kind of injury resulting from insect attack. We’re open from 8am to 8pm during the week and 8am to 6pm on weekends. Call (267) 202-6433 for our Fairless Hills, PA urgent care, or just walk in today.
