Spider Bite "cross", "tarantula", "black Widow" - Symptoms, What To Do?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Spider bite

The danger of a spider bite depends on various factors. The clinical manifestations of this condition are determined by the immune abilities of the human body and the poisonous properties of a particular species of spider. The dependence is as follows: the more poisonous the spider, the more dangerous its bite, even for a person with ideal immunity. Conversely, the stronger the immune response, the more likely any bites will be relatively mild.

Content:

• Spider bite "cross"
• Spider bite "tarantula"
• Spider bite "black widow"
• Home spider bite
• Spider Bite Symptoms
• The consequences of a spider bite
• First aid for a spider bite

Spider bite "cross"

The most common spider on all continents is the cross spider. Its name is due to the appearance of this arthropod. It is easy to recognize the cross by the characteristic white dots on the back, forming a cross. The dimensions of these spiders are not very large, although they can reach 2 cm without taking into account the spread of the legs. The cross does not purposefully attack a person. Usually, bites happen by accident, when a person gets into his web, where he is waiting for his victim.

The bite of a spider-spider is not dangerous to humans. Clinical manifestations are limited to local reactions in the form of reddening of the skin, its local edema and painful reddened induration, accompanied by burning. Rarely, general reactions such as a short-term increase in body temperature and mild chills can occur. This is possible if hemolysins and other toxins enter the systemic circulation of a person with an unstable immune response.

In typical cases, all manifestations go away on their own after a few days. If this does not happen, it is advisable to apply cold to the bite site, lubricate it with alcohol or anti-inflammatory ointments (kremgen, sinaflan). In no case should you comb the bite site. This can cause an infection to enter the skin with the development of a purulent process.

Spider bite "tarantula"

The tarantula spider has become a kind of indoor favorite of many lovers of this type of arthropod. Usually, this is a fairly friendly animal in relation to humans, which is even able to recognize its owner. Therefore, a person is extremely rarely exposed to his attacks. If this happens, it is only for the purpose of self-defense, when the spider senses danger. The most interesting thing is that the tarantula, when bitten by a person, does this without releasing poison, but only carrying out mechanical superficial damage to the skin in the form of a small scratch. In natural conditions, he hunts small animals, frogs, lizards and small birds. The peculiarity of its poison is its high neurotoxic properties, as a result of which the victim is paralyzed, but alive.

The bite of a tarantula spider is absolutely safe for humans. The only thing to be afraid of is infection of the wound from a bite when scratching with dirty hands. To prevent this from happening, the damaged area is treated with solutions of any antiseptics and covered for several hours with a dry clean bandage. After the formation of a small crust, there is no danger at all. Occasionally, a slight reddening of the skin may occur, accompanied by itching.

Spider bite "black widow"

A black widow is a female karakurt spider. It was not for nothing that she got her name, because not only the male after mating, whom she kills, but also the man becomes her victim. The black widow is the most common type of venomous spider on all continents. Her favorite habitat is secluded corners in places where dry firewood is stored, basements and sheds, and other dry places under the roof. This type of arthropod is very aggressive. Any attempts to approach her web will trigger a lightning attack. You can recognize a black widow by the following features: a relatively small body (1 cm) of black color with a wide spread of legs (about 4-5 cm). A characteristic feature is a red dot on the abdomen. The peak of aggressiveness occurs in the summer.

The black widow possesses one of the most toxic venoms of all arachnids. Its main components are neurotoxin and hemolysin, which have high toxicity and antigenic properties. This is the basis for the development of a rather vivid clinical picture after a bite, which grows with lightning speed.

Clinically, it looks like this:

1. The immediate moment of the bite is felt by a person as a sudden sharp prick;
2. A small dot appears at the site of the bite;
3. Some time (1-2 hours) elapses between the onset of symptoms and the bite as a light interval;
4. Relatively not intense pain at the site of the bite, which is due to the destruction of nerve endings by neurotoxin;
5. Rapid ingestion and spreading throughout the body of the toxic components of the poison of the black widow due to the aggressiveness of hemolysin and blood thinning;
6. The appearance of a blue discoloration or darkening of the skin near the bite, which can become common;
7. General temperature reaction with a sudden jump in temperature to critical numbers;
8. Clouding of consciousness of varying degrees (from fainting and lethargy to cerebral coma);
9. Common muscle pain and spasm;
10. Convulsive syndrome, both local and widespread;
11. Rash in the form of small hemorrhages throughout the body;
12. Drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat
13. Nausea and vomiting against a background of severe headache;
14. Heavy sweating and drooling;

Usually, these symptoms are wavy, periodically subside, and again aggravated. Therefore, it is imperative to seek medical help in case of the slightest suspicion of a black widow bite. Treatment should be carried out in a hospital or even an intensive care unit.

The most effective method is the introduction of a specific antitoxic serum, which is not available in all medical institutions. If it is not possible to use it, pathogenetic treatment is carried out aimed at reducing symptoms and removing toxins from the systemic circulation. For this, patients are injected with solutions of calcium chloride or gluconate, anticonvulsants (diazepam, sibazone), massive infusions and diuretics. Constant monitoring of basic vital parameters is carried out.

Home spider bite

There are several varieties of domestic spiders: gray, brown, black and others, which is determined by their color. The most common representative is the black house spider. Its favorite habitats are considered to be the inner parts of the premises, as well as their outer areas with good lighting and dry conditions. These can be wooden window frames, roof space, cracks in wooden logs, etc. Spiders of this species are quite small and weave webs in small corners, to which humans are extremely rarely related. Therefore, human bites by a domestic spider are rare.

If a similar situation arises, then there is nothing wrong with that. Home spider bites are absolutely safe for humans. There is no danger, even for a small child. Usually, symptoms are limited to local manifestations in the form of soreness and burning after direct contact of the spider with the skin, a pinpoint bite with redness of the surrounding skin. It is extremely rare that there is a slight increase in body temperature and general malaise. To relieve symptoms, it is enough to apply cold, treat the bite area with an antiseptic. In extreme cases, it becomes necessary to use hormonal ointments and antihistamines antiallergic agents.

Spider Bite Symptoms

The general clinical manifestations of spider bites have certain similarities, regardless of the specific representatives of this class of arthropods. This is determined by the identical qualitative composition of the toxic components of the poison. The main ones are neurotoxin and hemolysin. The first causes damage to the nervous system (peripheral nerves and the brain), the second causes the destruction of red blood cells, provoking its strong liquefaction and direct destruction of blood vessels. The concentration of these two toxins in the venom of different types of spiders determines their toxicity in relation to the human body.

Based on the above data, it is possible to determine the possible symptoms of spider bites. These include:

1. Local changes in the area of the bite always develop primarily. They are represented by varying degrees of severity of redness of the skin, its pain, swelling and burning. The more pronounced these symptoms, the more poisonous the spider is. In severe cases, darkening occurs with widespread necrosis (necrosis) around the bite;
2. Skin rashes over the body. Usually, the rash is of a small punctate hemorrhagic nature, in the form of small hemorrhages. Localized on the limbs and trunk;
3. General temperature reaction in the form of hyperthermia from 37 ° C to 40 ° C with chills;
4. Headaches and confusion;
5. Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, surges in blood pressure;
6. Pain in the chest and abdomen;
7. Muscle pain and cramps, up to cramps;

The consequences of a spider bite

After the bites of non-venomous spiders, no consequences remain. The maximum that can be is a small punctate scar, from which after a short time there will be no trace left. The situation is completely different with the bites of poisonous spiders. The most formidable complications of the local plan in this case can be skin death in the area of the bite. The length of such necrotic changes can reach 10 centimeters and depends on the concomitant infection.

General consequences develop only with the bites of poisonous spiders. They can manifest themselves:

1. Persistent and prolonged edema of the affected segment;
2. Bleeding from the stomach and intestines or the formation of blood clots in the vessels;
3. Convulsive readiness of the brain for a certain time after the bite;
4. Headaches;
5. General weakness and muscle and bone pain;
6. Renal and hepatic impairment, if these organs were sick before the bite;
7. Lethal outcome for weakened people with severe concomitant pathology or lack of treatment for poisonous spider bites.

First aid for a spider bite

Emergency measures for spider bites are general, unless the exact type is established, and have some purposefulness when the culprit of the bite is known. The scope of first aid for a spider bite is as follows:

1. Pressing down on the bite site;
2. Applying a cold object, or better, ice;
3. Treatment of the bitten site with any antiseptic solutions (peroxide, alcohol, brilliant green, iodine, chlorhexidine, dioxidine);
4. Applying moderately dry pressure, or dressing with soda solution;
5. Taking antihistamines (diazolin, loratadine, cetirizine). Indicated when symptoms of a general nature appear;
6. Lubrication of the inflamed skin in the area of the bite with anti-inflammatory ointments (prednisolone, hyoxysone, cremegen);
7. If the bite is caused by a karakurt spider or a black widow, it is highly advisable to introduce an appropriate antitoxic serum. The sooner this is done, the better;
8. The slightest suspicion of a venomous spider bite is an indication for immediate medical attention. Spider bites of children in any case are a reason for consulting a pediatrician.

Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist

Education: in 2008 received a diploma in General Medicine (General Medicine) at the Pirogov Russian Research Medical University. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist