Can spider bites come back. When should you worry about a spider bite. How to recognize symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. What are the most effective treatments for spider bites.

Understanding Spider Bites: Symptoms and Severity

Spider bites are a common occurrence, but not all require medical intervention. Most spider bites heal on their own within a few days. However, bites from certain species, such as the black widow and brown recluse, can cause severe symptoms and require immediate medical attention.

How can you differentiate between a harmless spider bite and a potentially dangerous one. The key lies in recognizing the symptoms and understanding which spiders in your area pose the greatest risk.

Common Spider Bite Symptoms

• Redness and swelling around the bite area
• Mild pain or itching
• Small bump or blister at the bite site
• Mild discomfort lasting 1-2 days

Symptoms of Dangerous Spider Bites

• Severe pain and muscle cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever and chills
• Rapid heart rate
• Expanding wound or skin necrosis (in case of brown recluse bites)

Identifying Venomous Spiders in the United States

While most spiders in the United States are harmless to humans, two species are known for their potentially dangerous bites: the black widow and the brown recluse. Recognizing these spiders can help you assess the risk and seek appropriate treatment if bitten.

Black Widow Spider

Black widow spiders are easily identifiable by their glossy black bodies and the distinctive red hourglass shape on their abdomen. Some may have red markings on their legs as well. Their bites often leave two small puncture marks at the site.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are light to medium brown in color and have a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their back. They are smaller than black widows and have six eyes arranged in pairs, unlike most spiders which have eight eyes.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Spider Bites

While most spider bites can be treated at home, certain situations require immediate medical intervention. When should you seek emergency care for a spider bite.

• You suspect or know you’ve been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider
• You experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or severe swelling
• Your symptoms worsen over time or persist beyond a few days
• You develop signs of infection, including increased pain, redness, or pus at the bite site
• You experience severe systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or muscle cramps

If you can safely capture the spider that bit you, bring it with you to the hospital in a sealed container. This can help doctors identify the species and provide appropriate treatment.

Home Treatment for Minor Spider Bites

For non-venomous spider bites or those with mild symptoms, home treatment is often sufficient. How can you effectively treat a spider bite at home.

1. Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain
3. Elevate the affected limb if possible to minimize swelling
4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed
5. Apply an antihistamine cream or take oral antihistamines to reduce itching
6. Monitor the bite for signs of infection or worsening symptoms

Remember to keep the bite area clean and avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection. If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, consult a healthcare professional.

Medical Treatments for Severe Spider Bites

When spider bites require medical intervention, various treatments may be employed depending on the severity and type of bite. What are the most common medical treatments for severe spider bites.

Antibiotic Treatment

If a spider bite becomes infected or in cases of brown recluse bites, doctors may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to prevent or treat bacterial infections.

Pain Management

For severe pain associated with black widow bites, stronger pain medications may be necessary. These can include opioids for short-term use or benzodiazepines to manage muscle cramps.

Antivenom Administration

In cases of severe black widow spider bites, antivenom may be administered intravenously. This treatment can rapidly alleviate symptoms and neutralize the venom’s effects. However, it’s important to note that there is currently no antivenom available for brown recluse bites.

Wound Care

For brown recluse bites that cause skin necrosis, specialized wound care may be necessary. This can include debridement of dead tissue and, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Preventing Spider Bites: Practical Tips

While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of spider bites entirely, there are several steps you can take to minimize your chances of encountering venomous spiders. How can you protect yourself and your home from potentially dangerous spiders.

• Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior to prevent spiders from entering
• Keep your home clean and clutter-free to reduce hiding spots for spiders
• Wear gloves when working in areas where spiders may hide, such as woodpiles or gardens
• Shake out shoes and clothing that have been stored in dark areas before wearing them
• Use caution when reaching into dark spaces or moving items that have been undisturbed for long periods
• Consider using spider repellents or natural deterrents like peppermint oil around your home

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering dangerous spiders and experiencing bites.

Spider Bite Myths and Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions surrounding spider bites, which can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment. What are some common myths about spider bites, and what’s the truth behind them.

Myth: All Spider Bites Are Dangerous

Reality: The vast majority of spider bites are harmless and cause only minor, localized symptoms. Only a few species in the United States pose a significant health risk to humans.

Myth: You Can Always Feel a Spider Bite

Reality: Many spider bites go unnoticed at the time they occur. Some people may not realize they’ve been bitten until symptoms develop hours later.

Myth: Spider Bites Always Leave Two Puncture Marks

Reality: While some spider bites may leave two small puncture marks, this is not always the case. Many spider bites appear as a single red bump or blister.

Myth: All Unexplained Skin Lesions Are Spider Bites

Reality: Many skin conditions, including bacterial infections like MRSA, are often misdiagnosed as spider bites. If you’re unsure about the cause of a skin lesion, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.

Long-Term Effects of Spider Bites: What to Expect

While most spider bites heal without complications, some may have long-lasting effects. What are the potential long-term consequences of spider bites, particularly from venomous species.

Black Widow Spider Bites

Most people recover fully from black widow spider bites within a few days to weeks. However, in rare cases, individuals may experience prolonged muscle pain or weakness that can persist for several months.

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

Brown recluse bites can cause more significant long-term effects due to the necrotic nature of their venom. In severe cases, the bite may result in a deep, slow-healing wound that can leave a permanent scar. Rarely, systemic effects can lead to kidney damage or other organ dysfunction.

Psychological Effects

Some individuals may develop arachnophobia or increased anxiety about spiders following a bite, particularly if it was severe or required medical intervention.

It’s important to note that these long-term effects are relatively rare, and most spider bites heal completely without lasting consequences.

Spider bites, while often harmless, can sometimes pose serious health risks. By understanding the symptoms of dangerous bites, knowing when to seek medical attention, and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from potentially harmful encounters with venomous spiders. Remember, when in doubt about a spider bite, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

When to Worry About a Spider Bite and When to Get Treatment

Spider bites are common, and most do not require any medical treatment. However, the bite of the black widow and brown recluse, two species found in the United States, can cause harmful symptoms.

Additionally, you may be allergic to a certain spider’s venom and experience serious side effects from the bite.

Other types of spider bites can be treated at home and symptoms should subside after 1 to 2 days.

Lingering or worsening symptoms may be a sign of infection and require the care of a doctor.

Generally, a spider bite will not require medical care. But there are a few reasons you may need to get immediate medical treatment for a spider bite.

Medical emergency

Call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room if:

• you suspect or know a black widow or brown recluse spider bit you
• you have an allergic reaction to a spider’s venom (see below)
• your symptoms get worse over time

If you know you were bitten by a venomous spider

Visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic immediately after a black widow or brown recluse bite to treat symptoms right away.

If you can capture the spider, bring it to the hospital in a container. This will help the doctor identify the type of spider and treat your bite.

If you know you are allergic to spider venom or have a serious reaction

You may experience an allergic reaction after a spider bite, regardless of the type of spider that bit you. Symptoms of an allergic or severe reaction to a bite include:

• trouble breathing
• loss of consciousness
• severe swelling or itchiness at the bite site or in your throat or eyes
• fast heart rate

These symptoms may be signs of anaphylaxis, where your entire body reacts to the allergen. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

If your bite has gotten worse

Keep an eye on any area of skin where you suspect a spider bite. Symptoms that get worse over time may indicate that you were bitten by a venomous spider or that the bite is infected.

Worsening symptoms include:

• fever
• pain near the bite after 1 to 2 days
• enlarged wound site
• redness streaking from the bite
• muscle cramps
• blistering
• flu-like symptoms

In many cases, you can treat a spider bite at home. You may experience mild symptoms for 1 to 2 days. Bites that itch or are infected may require more treatment and a consultation from a doctor.

Clean the bite area

Wash the bite area with soap and water. Keep the area clean while it heals to reduce the chance of infection.

Apply ice

Apply ice to the bite for 10 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid too much cold exposure. Elevate the area while you ice it if the bite is on a leg or arm.

Medical treatment for a spider bite depends on your symptoms and the type of spider bite. Mild symptoms that linger could require over-the-counter medications. Symptoms that are moderate or severe may require prescription medication or supervised care.

Antibiotic ointments

Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments may help an infected bite. Follow the directions on the medication’s packaging and cover the bite with a bandage after using the ointment. Your doctor may prescribe a more powerful topical application, if needed.

Antihistamines

You may need an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine to relieve itching and swelling from the spider bite. Follow the directions on the packaging.

Pain relievers

Pain relievers may be needed to calm pain from spider bites. Over-the-counter options include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Antibiotics

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a brown recluse spider bite or if your spider bite becomes infected.

Benzodiazepines and opioids

Black widow bites may require more aggressive medication.

Intravenous administration of benzodiazepines or cyclobenzaprine may be used to treat the muscle cramps and pain caused by black widow venom, according to the journal U.S. Pharmacist. Opioids may also be used in the short term because long-term use can increase the risk of dependence.

Antivenin

If you have severe symptoms following a black widow bite, your doctor will administer an antivenin intravenously. There is no antivenin for brown recluse bites.

The most dangerous spiders in the United States are the black widow and brown recluse. Other spider bites could result in a reaction if you are allergic to their venom.

Black widow

Share on PinterestBlack widows are shiny black with a prominent reddish orange hourglass shape on their body. Their venom is very dangerous and affects the body’s nervous system. Immediate effects of a black widow bite are burning, stinging, severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. spotwin/Istock

Black widows are black or brown with a red hourglass shape on the top of their body. They can also be black with red legs. You may see two puncture marks where the black widow bit you.

Black widow venom will affect your nerve tissue. The bites are immediately painful. You’ll also notice swelling right away. Your muscles will begin to cramp after an hour or more, including in your chest or abdomen. Other symptoms include:

• hypertension
• vomiting
• numbness
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Black widows live in the Southern and Western states. You may find them in dark, secluded areas like wood piles, corners of a structure, and debris piles.

Brown recluse

Share on PinterestThe brown recluse is brown in color with distinct six eyes in pairs of two. Many brown recluse spiders have prominent violin pattern markings on the body. Bites from the brown recluse are rare but characteristically cause skin necrosis along with mild systemic effects. Its venom is rarely fatal. PeteMuller/Getty Images

Brown recluse spiders are brown and have a marking on their head that looks like a violin.

Brown recluse spider venom can kill skin tissue and cause scarring. Initially, you may feel minimal pain from the bite, but it will become more painful. Blisters will develop a few hours after the bite. After a few days, the skin will curve downward and appear blue. You may also experience flu-like symptoms like fever or vomiting.

You will find brown recluse spiders in the Central and Southern United States. They live outdoors and indoors.

Hobo spider

Share on PinterestHobo spiders are brown in color with prominent V-shaped markings along their abdomen. Their venom is not toxic or poisonous to humans. Freder/Getty Images

Some believe that hobo spider venom has similar skin-decaying effects to a brown recluse, but this is disputed. This is a large house spider with long legs that can run quickly.

Hobo spiders live in the Western United States.

Jumping spider

Share on PinterestJumping spiders are brown and black in color with prominent spines covering all their legs. They have the ability to jump several lengths with ease. Their venom is not dangerous to humans. By common human/shutterstock

This is a small indoor spider with a hairy body. It can jump and lives near windows. Bites are not harmful unless you are allergic to the venom.

Wolf spider

Share on PinterestWolf spiders are known for their camouflage ability and excellent eyesight. Their color is most similar to their habitat to blend in. A wolf spider bite delivers venom that’s not harmful to humans. Although the bite will result in red, itchy skin, it very rarely causes any skin necrosis. KevinDyer/Istock

Wolf spiders are brown like the recluse but do not have the ornamental violin shape on their heads. These spiders are not harmful to humans. You may encounter them indoors and can release them outside.

Tarantula

Share on PinterestTarantulas are large, black, and very hairy spiders. They’re not dangerous to humans. Their venom is relatively weak, but their bite is painful to the skin. It will feel similar to a bee sting. Freder/Istock

Tarantulas have venom, but it does not generally affect people unless you are allergic to it. You may feel a bit of stinging and have slight swelling following a bite. Follow first-aid guidelines and see a doctor if you have a tarantula bite.

Tarantulas live in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Camel spider

Share on PinterestCamel spiders appear light colored with shades of brown, which allow them to live in desert habitats. They’re not venomous. quangpraha/Istock

These spiders hunt at night. They do not have venom, but their bites can hurt. Therefore, serious symptoms are minimal.

Most spider bites are harmless, and symptoms will go away after a few days. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect a black widow or brown recluse spider bite. If you have life threatening symptoms, the bite gets worse, or you have an allergic reaction, seek medical care right away.

When to Worry About a Spider Bite and When to Get Treatment

Spider bites are common, and most do not require any medical treatment. However, the bite of the black widow and brown recluse, two species found in the United States, can cause harmful symptoms.

Additionally, you may be allergic to a certain spider’s venom and experience serious side effects from the bite.

Other types of spider bites can be treated at home and symptoms should subside after 1 to 2 days.

Lingering or worsening symptoms may be a sign of infection and require the care of a doctor.

Generally, a spider bite will not require medical care. But there are a few reasons you may need to get immediate medical treatment for a spider bite.

Medical emergency

Call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room if:

• you suspect or know a black widow or brown recluse spider bit you
• you have an allergic reaction to a spider’s venom (see below)
• your symptoms get worse over time

If you know you were bitten by a venomous spider

Visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic immediately after a black widow or brown recluse bite to treat symptoms right away.

If you can capture the spider, bring it to the hospital in a container. This will help the doctor identify the type of spider and treat your bite.

If you know you are allergic to spider venom or have a serious reaction

You may experience an allergic reaction after a spider bite, regardless of the type of spider that bit you. Symptoms of an allergic or severe reaction to a bite include:

• trouble breathing
• loss of consciousness
• severe swelling or itchiness at the bite site or in your throat or eyes
• fast heart rate

These symptoms may be signs of anaphylaxis, where your entire body reacts to the allergen. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

If your bite has gotten worse

Keep an eye on any area of skin where you suspect a spider bite. Symptoms that get worse over time may indicate that you were bitten by a venomous spider or that the bite is infected.

Worsening symptoms include:

• fever
• pain near the bite after 1 to 2 days
• enlarged wound site
• redness streaking from the bite
• muscle cramps
• blistering
• flu-like symptoms

In many cases, you can treat a spider bite at home. You may experience mild symptoms for 1 to 2 days. Bites that itch or are infected may require more treatment and a consultation from a doctor.

Clean the bite area

Wash the bite area with soap and water. Keep the area clean while it heals to reduce the chance of infection.

Apply ice

Apply ice to the bite for 10 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid too much cold exposure. Elevate the area while you ice it if the bite is on a leg or arm.

Medical treatment for a spider bite depends on your symptoms and the type of spider bite. Mild symptoms that linger could require over-the-counter medications. Symptoms that are moderate or severe may require prescription medication or supervised care.

Antibiotic ointments

Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments may help an infected bite. Follow the directions on the medication’s packaging and cover the bite with a bandage after using the ointment. Your doctor may prescribe a more powerful topical application, if needed.

Antihistamines

You may need an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine to relieve itching and swelling from the spider bite. Follow the directions on the packaging.

Pain relievers

Pain relievers may be needed to calm pain from spider bites. Over-the-counter options include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Antibiotics

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a brown recluse spider bite or if your spider bite becomes infected.

Benzodiazepines and opioids

Black widow bites may require more aggressive medication.

Intravenous administration of benzodiazepines or cyclobenzaprine may be used to treat the muscle cramps and pain caused by black widow venom, according to the journal U.S. Pharmacist. Opioids may also be used in the short term because long-term use can increase the risk of dependence.

Antivenin

If you have severe symptoms following a black widow bite, your doctor will administer an antivenin intravenously. There is no antivenin for brown recluse bites.

The most dangerous spiders in the United States are the black widow and brown recluse. Other spider bites could result in a reaction if you are allergic to their venom.

Black widow

Share on PinterestBlack widows are shiny black with a prominent reddish orange hourglass shape on their body. Their venom is very dangerous and affects the body’s nervous system. Immediate effects of a black widow bite are burning, stinging, severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. spotwin/Istock

Black widows are black or brown with a red hourglass shape on the top of their body. They can also be black with red legs. You may see two puncture marks where the black widow bit you.

Black widow venom will affect your nerve tissue. The bites are immediately painful. You’ll also notice swelling right away. Your muscles will begin to cramp after an hour or more, including in your chest or abdomen. Other symptoms include:

• hypertension
• vomiting
• numbness
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Black widows live in the Southern and Western states. You may find them in dark, secluded areas like wood piles, corners of a structure, and debris piles.

Brown recluse

Share on PinterestThe brown recluse is brown in color with distinct six eyes in pairs of two. Many brown recluse spiders have prominent violin pattern markings on the body. Bites from the brown recluse are rare but characteristically cause skin necrosis along with mild systemic effects. Its venom is rarely fatal. PeteMuller/Getty Images

Brown recluse spiders are brown and have a marking on their head that looks like a violin.

Brown recluse spider venom can kill skin tissue and cause scarring. Initially, you may feel minimal pain from the bite, but it will become more painful. Blisters will develop a few hours after the bite. After a few days, the skin will curve downward and appear blue. You may also experience flu-like symptoms like fever or vomiting.

You will find brown recluse spiders in the Central and Southern United States. They live outdoors and indoors.

Hobo spider

Share on PinterestHobo spiders are brown in color with prominent V-shaped markings along their abdomen. Their venom is not toxic or poisonous to humans. Freder/Getty Images

Some believe that hobo spider venom has similar skin-decaying effects to a brown recluse, but this is disputed. This is a large house spider with long legs that can run quickly.

Hobo spiders live in the Western United States.

Jumping spider

Share on PinterestJumping spiders are brown and black in color with prominent spines covering all their legs. They have the ability to jump several lengths with ease. Their venom is not dangerous to humans. By common human/shutterstock

This is a small indoor spider with a hairy body. It can jump and lives near windows. Bites are not harmful unless you are allergic to the venom.

Wolf spider

Share on PinterestWolf spiders are known for their camouflage ability and excellent eyesight. Their color is most similar to their habitat to blend in. A wolf spider bite delivers venom that’s not harmful to humans. Although the bite will result in red, itchy skin, it very rarely causes any skin necrosis. KevinDyer/Istock

Wolf spiders are brown like the recluse but do not have the ornamental violin shape on their heads. These spiders are not harmful to humans. You may encounter them indoors and can release them outside.

Tarantula

Share on PinterestTarantulas are large, black, and very hairy spiders. They’re not dangerous to humans. Their venom is relatively weak, but their bite is painful to the skin. It will feel similar to a bee sting. Freder/Istock

Tarantulas have venom, but it does not generally affect people unless you are allergic to it. You may feel a bit of stinging and have slight swelling following a bite. Follow first-aid guidelines and see a doctor if you have a tarantula bite.

Tarantulas live in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Camel spider

Share on PinterestCamel spiders appear light colored with shades of brown, which allow them to live in desert habitats. They’re not venomous. quangpraha/Istock

These spiders hunt at night. They do not have venom, but their bites can hurt. Therefore, serious symptoms are minimal.

Most spider bites are harmless, and symptoms will go away after a few days. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect a black widow or brown recluse spider bite. If you have life threatening symptoms, the bite gets worse, or you have an allergic reaction, seek medical care right away.

Spider and insect bites | Mamovedia

If your child has been bitten or stung by a non-venomous insect, you can take the advice of experts to relieve the pain and itching.

Here is the tactic that doctors recommend.

When to See a Doctor

There are two potentially deadly spider species, the black widow and the brown recluse, which mostly live in warm regions. If you can’t identify the spider that bit your child, it’s best to take your child to the doctor for a checkup.

And it is absolutely essential to go to the emergency room or doctor if you see:

• a dark blue or purple mottled area of ​​skin around the bite site surrounded by a white circle with a very large outer ring of redness – this is called ” red, white and blue” symptom, which is a sure indication that your child has been bitten by what appears to be a “brown recluse”. In addition, from the bite of the “brown recluse” the body can become covered with a rash.
• muscle spasms, numbness and tightness at the bite site are signs of a black widow spider bite. A black widow bite can also cause severe abdominal pain, similar to an appendicitis attack.
• Other symptoms of a venomous spider bite include headache, fever, general malaise, loss of appetite and joint pain.
• Also, take your child to the doctor if you notice signs of infection around the bite (significant swelling and redness) or if your child’s urine turns pink or red
• In southern areas, an unidentified sting may be a scorpion sting. In some cases, such a bite can be fatal to a child, especially if he is under ten years old, so medical attention should be sought immediately.

Treatment

Keep the bite site clean. After any insect or spider bite, wash the bitten area with soap and water.

Continue washing with soap and water two or three times a day until the skin is healed.

And be sure to make sure that the little fingers and hands are also thoroughly washed, then the germs will not get access to the hands, and therefore to the bitten place.

For additional treatment and protection against infection, apply an antibiotic ointment or cream containing after washing, such as Polysporin or Neosporin, to the bitten area, and not just on the surface of the skin, but by carefully rubbing deep into the skin.

Relieve itching with cold. To help relieve itching, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the bite.

Take care to avoid direct contact of ice with the skin due to the risk of freezing. Or, soak a washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and press it against the itchy area.

Prepare the pasta. The use of a paste made from baking soda and water is a classic, ancient treatment for itchy, painful bites.

Mix enough baking soda with vodka to form a paste that sticks to the skin, then apply it to the itchy area. If possible, leave the paste on for ten to fifteen minutes.

Treat the pain. Acetaminophen (children’s Tylenol) can be given to relieve pain. Check the directions on the package for the correct dosage for your child according to your child’s age and weight.

If your child is under two years old, ask your doctor.

Aspirin is not recommended for children due to its association with Reye’s syndrome, a serious brain and liver disease.

Precautions

Use flying insect repellent . Bath oil “Skin-so-Soft”, produced by Avon, can serve as an effective and safe remedy for repelling mosquitoes.

Repellents containing DEET are also very effective against biting flies and mosquitoes. However, flying insect repellents containing DEET should be used with great caution on children under the age of ten, and should never be used on children under the age of two.

Avoid Charlotte’s web. Teach your children to avoid approaching spiders, especially those that look unusual. In addition, children should not play with spider webs.

Spiders become more dangerous when their webs are disturbed, especially when they have to protect the younger generation. In addition, the web itself can cause irritation and itching in some children.

How safe is repellent?

Insect repellents contain the chemical compound diethyltoluamide, commonly known as DEET. They work wonders when it comes to repelling flying insects that annoy people, such as bees and wasps, mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas.

However, many parents have concerns—well-founded—about the use of DEET-containing repellents on children. These substances should not be used in children under two years of age because very young children are at risk of a toxic dose absorbed by the skin.

In addition, doctors recommend that any repellant containing DEET be used with great caution on the skin of children under the age of ten.

In general, DEET should be avoided in children under four years of age.

It is best to dress children in such a way that there are as few open spaces on the child’s body as possible. But if you are in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes or other insects, it is practically not always possible to keep the child dressed on hot days.

If you decide to use a product containing DEET, choose the one with the lowest DEET content. (These products contain varying amounts of DEET, ranging from seven percent to one hundred percent.)

Use it very carefully, applying a minimal layer to bare skin and clothing.

Do not use repellent more than every four hours, unless the child is in a situation where the repellent washes off or evaporates.

These products don’t actually repel insects, just keep them from biting, so if an insect lands on your child’s skin but doesn’t bite, the repellant is still working. As soon as the child feels the bite, it is time to apply the repellant again.

However, do not use products containing DEET on areas of the body that are covered by clothing, as this will increase the amount of repellant absorbed by the skin.

Shake shoes and clothes . Vigorously shake clothes and shoes that have been lying in the closet for a long time to get rid of the spider hiding there. This is especially important if the clothes are in a summer cottage where spiders can easily enter.

Deadly spiders are active in the Volgograd region

In the coming days, the season of bites of deadly poisonous spiders – karakurts will begin in the Volgograd region. In 2021, 29 people were brought to the Center for Acute Poisoning at Hospital No. 25 in Volgograd with karakurt bites.people, three more were bitten by saki spiders – also one of the most poisonous in Russia. More than two dozen patients were not admitted to the hospital – Volgograd doctors consulted their colleagues at the Central District Hospital.

In total, more than 120 species of spiders live in the Volgograd region, there are not so many poisonous among them, but karakurts and saki are of particular danger. The first is a type of spider from the genus of black widows. They, like saki, are not large – the body of the female, black with red spots, reaches a maximum length of 20 mm, the male – only 7 mm. It is noteworthy that after reaching puberty, the red spots disappear.

Karakurt produce highly specialized protein neurotoxins and latrotoxins. Their active season is from May to September. Warm spring contributes to the early awakening of spiders, sunny autumn – the extension of the season: there is a case when this spider bit a person in December.

The greatest number of bites of karakurt falls on July-August, since it is at this time that spiders actively migrate, they have a mating season. Karakurt can bite not only in nature or, for example, in the field during harvesting, but even in a private house. However, doctors remind that the spider does not attack a person first and can only bite for self-defense if it is crushed. Therefore, residents of the Volgograd region should be extremely careful when traveling to nature and when working in garden plots.

Local effects of a karakurt bite are usually limited to swelling and the appearance of a fluid bubble, but most often it is impossible to find even bite marks. In the first place, doctors put the clinical picture of poisoning, which is very characteristic.

– The disease, as a rule, begins suddenly and extremely acutely in a person who was completely healthy before that, – Vysota 102 news agency was told at the Center for Acute Poisoning of Hospital No. 25. – The burning pain that occurs at the site of the bite after 15 – 20 minutes almost perceptibly spreads to neighboring parts of the body and organs. After 20 – 40 minutes, chills appear, pain in the chest, abdomen and especially in the limbs, as well as a burning sensation throughout the body. A sharp weakness develops, sometimes depriving the patient of the opportunity to move independently.

A person who has been bitten by a karakurt develops strong arousal and, which is especially characteristic, a fear of death. Breathing becomes difficult, the pulse is frequent, heart sounds are muffled, and blood pressure initially rises. There is urinary retention. Some patients experience salivation and difficulty swallowing. Three hours later, cramps of the lower and upper extremities appear.

Later, four to five hours after the bite, nausea, vomiting, tightness of the rectus abdominis muscles and constipation appear. The tongue, remaining moist, is covered with a white coating.