Bites and Stings

Spiders are common creatures among us and, due to their infamy, are dislike if not feared, by most. In reality, however, there are only four species of spiders that are potentially lethal: Brazilian wandering spiders, Australian venomous funnel-web spiders, Widow spiders, and Recluse spiders.

Spiders are predatory animals which consume other animals for food. The venom most spiders inject through the wound they inflicted to their victim’s skin with their sharp fangs is to either paralyze or kill for later consumption, or as a way of defending themselves.

Depending on the given circumstances, spiders can control how much venom or none at all is injected into a target. Production of venom is laborious work and spiders prefer not to waste it unnecessarily. Therefore they will adjust the amount of venom delivered based on the size of their prey when attacking. When defending, however, usually dry, venom less bites are inflicted. Since spiders do not view people as their prey, most spider bites inflicted on humans are defensive, therefore, venom is not injected and they are completely harmless.

Spider venoms work on two basic principles: they are either neurotoxic and attack the nervous system or necrotoxic and attack tissues surrounding the bite or vital organs. Most spiders with serious bites posses a neurotoxic venom of one kind or another but its affects on the nervous system vary from spider to spider.

Treating spider bites depends on the type of spider in question. Since, as discussed earlier, most spider bites are harmless, no treatment is necessary. If, however, the injured had witnessed the spider in action, experiences significant discomfort and requires medical assistance, it is helpful to capture the culprit spider alive or well preserved for expert identification that would point to accurate treatment. In most cases, however, symptoms appear long after the spider has disappeared.

Treatment for minor bites should be addressed as any other open wound. If the wound is not so small that it closes immediately, some blood should be coaxed out to wash out possible foreign debris and a topical antiseptic should be applied. An icepack may be applied to control inflammation and a soothing balm for itching. The wound should be closely monitored for possible infection and for any suspicious symptoms that may appear.

There are no significant treatments for necrotic bites other than elevation and immobilization of the affected limb, application of ice, and local topicals. If symptoms are severe, professional medical help must be sought immediately.