However, there are certain types of spiders which are dangerous enough to jeopardize the health of its victim. Their bites can transfer venom to the victim's body resulting to blood poisoning. When bitten by these kinds of spiders, victims are advised to immediately seek proper medical attention.
The type of treatment needed to counter the effects of the venom to the human body is highly dependent on the specie of the offending spider. Thus, to make the process more efficient, victims should catch and present the offending spider to the medical personnel attending to him or to her. Moreover, while the victim is still waiting for the medical help to arrive, it is highly suggested that the following spider bite first aid procedures are performed:
1. Victims should immediately wash the bitten area using soap and water. An antibiotic cream can also be used for this purpose.
2. If the bitten area is somewhere on the limbs, the victim should elevate that area in order to keep the venom from quickly reaching the brain and the other important internal organs.
3. The victim should be very still. As much as possible, he or she should restrict any physical movement because motion can make the spread of the venom even faster.
4. In order to relieve the pain caused by the bite, the victim may apply ice over the bitten area. The ice can be wrapped in a cotton cloth to control its temperature. If the pain does not go away, the victim may be given acetaminophen.
5. Victims and those who attend to the victims should never cut open bite marks.
6. The victim may be given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if these are available. These drugs can prevent swelling and at the same time, inhibits the body from feeling pain.
7. As a reminder to first aiders, tourniquet should not be used on a spider bite victim as it can worsen the immediate effects of the spider bite.
8. Lastly, the victim should not drink, eat or smoke prior to treatment.
Specific Spider bite Treatments
As what has been earlier discussed, the type of spider bite treatment needed help a victim recover is dependent on the specie of the offending spider. Listed below are some of the most common poisonous spiders and the nature of their bites.
Black Widow
These spiders got their name from their very unique characteristic when it comes to mating. Female black widow spiders feed on their mate(!!) right after mating thus the name "widow". In South Africa, these spiders are known as the Shoe-button spiders. The Europeans call them Karakurt while New Zealanders name them Katipo. Because of the red mark that lie on its back, Australians call these spiders Redback.
A closer look at the black widow tells us that the spider has an hour-glass-like shape on its abdomen. This shape can come in three different colors: red, yellow or orange. overall, the black widow has long-legs and measures about 23 milimeters. However some black widows can reach up to 50 milimeters.
Despite being notorious to the male spiders, black widows are really non-aggressice, especially to humans. But, they are easily irritated and threatened, pushing them to bite in order to defend themselves. The black widow's bite would have the same sensation when you prick your finger with a pin. The bite marks of the black widow are quite visible. Under normal conditions, the bite mark would appear like two black dots inside a bigger redness circular skin area. As the venom of the black widow spreads, the victim will feel a burning sensation around the bitten area. The pain can last for up to 5 days if the victim will not submit himself for treatment.
The black widow's venom is considered to be neurotoxic because it can cause muscle cramps, and anxiety. Apart from that, the venom can also cause vomiting, nausea and head pains. Severe symptoms include: increase blood pressure, breathing problems and eye swelling.
Brown Recluse
This spider is more popular with its other names such as Violin and Fiddleback. These spiders can be found countries having tropical weather conditions. They are also native to the United States, Australia and South America.
The brown recluse spider is usually born with a light brown color although some may develop other colors over time. They can also grow by up to 10 milimiters in length and just like the black widows, these spiders also have their own bodily logos. The head of the Recluse Spider has a violin-shaped mark.
Just like the black widow, Recluse spiders also do not attack humans with the intention of biting them. They bite out of the instinct to protect themselves from any threats. The venom of the Recluse Spider is known as cytotoxic, meaning, it is that kind of a poison that can cause blistering around the affected area. The venom can also cause some localize swelling all throughout the body. In severe cases, a deep-setting skin ulcer might also develop due to the Recluse Spider's bite. The bite can also cause necrotic tissue appearance.
Some people would also experience a full body reaction after being bitten. Almost immediately, the victim will show symptoms like skin rashes, joint pain, nausea and fever. Within 72 hours, the extent of the damage can be unimaginable so it is very important for a Recluse Spider bite victim to seek medical help as soon as possible.
The same skin condition experienced by those having bedsores, herpes, skin asthma and diabetic ulcer can be experience by the victim if the bite is treated soon enough.
Hobo
This spider is very common in the western central Asia as well as in some parts of Europe. These spiders are also called as the Northwester Brown. They can grow up to 14 millimeters. They live in funnel-like webbings weaved between rocks, debris piles and stocked wood. Hobo Spiders are very aggressive spiders; in fact, they would attack and bite humans even with very little provocation. Their bites can cause a tingling sensation around the affected area. The spider's venom is also classified as necrotic.
