Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Overview

How serious is a spider bite?

Most spiders are harmless and rarely bite people. All spiders make venom (a poison), but most spiders’ fangs are too small to puncture human skin.

Spiders are arachnids (not insects). They’re in the same class as scorpions, mites and ticks. All of these arachnids have eight legs. Spiders perform a vital function by eating insects that can destroy crops.

Which spiders are dangerous to people?

There are at least 60 different spider species in America, but only a few pose any danger to humans. These more dangerous spiders include:

• Black widows: These black spiders have a red hourglass shape on their bellies. Black widows like to build webs in woodpiles, building overhangs (eaves), fences and outhouses. They mostly live in the Western and Southern U.S.

Black widow spider

• Brown recluses: Sometimes called fiddleback or violin spiders, these brown spiders have a dark, violin-shaped mark on their heads. Brown recluses live in Midwestern and Southern states. They like dry, sheltered areas, such as piles of wood, rocks and leaves. Indoors, brown recluses seek out dark closets, attics and shoes.

Brown recluse spider

• Hobo spiders: These brown spiders have a grey V-shaped (herringbone) pattern on their bellies. They build funnel-shaped webs in dark, moist basements, crawl spaces, window wells and woodpiles. Hobo spiders are mostly found in the Pacific Northwest.

Hobo spider

How common are spider bites?

Experts aren’t sure how many people get spider bites every year. Most of the time, you may not know a spider bit you. Or you may think an insect bit you, instead of a spider.

Bites from black widows or brown recluses are most dangerous to children (because of their small size) and the elderly (who may be frail or in poor health). In the U.S., fewer than three people die every year from a spider bite. Most of these deaths occur in children.

Who might get spider bites?

Anyone can accidentally come into contact with a spider and get bitten. Still, some people may be more at risk because their jobs or actions put them in closer contact with places where spiders live. People at risk include:

• Outdoor workers, including landscapers, groundskeepers and farmworkers.
• Children who play in piles of leaves or rocks.
• Hikers.
• Janitors.
• Machine operators.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of a spider bite?

Spider bite symptoms vary depending on the type of spider.

Black widow spider bites cause an immediate, sharp, pinprick-like pain. The bite area then becomes numb. Other signs of a black widow spider bite include:

Bites from brown recluse spiders aren’t immediately painful or noticeable. Instead, you might feel pain an hour after the bite. Other signs of a brown recluse spider bite include:

• A blister surrounded by a bruise or reddish skin color (similar to a bull’s-eye). The blister may rupture and form a skin ulcer that later scars.
• Itchy skin in the bite area or all over the body.

Hobo spider bites rarely cause pain. Signs of a hobo spider bite include:

• Severe headache within minutes or hours after the bite. This headache may last for a week.
• Hardened skin in the bite area within 30 minutes of the bite.
• Red, swollen skin.
• Blisters that produce pus.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Cognitive impairment (memory problems).

Diagnosis and Tests

How is a spider bite diagnosed?

Seeing the spider is the best way to confirm both a bite and the type of spider. Otherwise, there isn’t a way to test for a spider bite or determine what bit you.

Your healthcare provider may make a diagnosis based on symptoms. Your provider may also send a sample of fluid from a blister to a lab to check for skin infections that cause similar symptoms, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Management and Treatment

What are the complications of a spider bite?

Some brown recluse bites cause a skin ulcer (wound). If the wound doesn’t heal, you might need surgery.

Black widow bites are the most serious. Children under 16 and people older than 60 may need hospitalization to treat:

How is a spider bite managed or treated?

Spider bite treatments vary depending on symptoms. Treatment for black widow spider bites includes muscle relaxers, sedatives and pain medicines.

Treatment for brown recluse and hobo spider bites include:

• Daily cleaning with a povidone-iodine solution to prevent infection.
• Soaking the bite area in sterile saltwater (saline) solution three times a day.

What should I do if a spider bites me?

You should never attempt to suck out or remove venom from a spider bite. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Clean the bite area with warm water and soap.
2. Apply a cold, damp washcloth or an ice pack to the bite area.
3. Elevate the bite area.
4. Take an antihistamine (allergy medicine) to ease itching and swelling.
5. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain and swelling.
6. Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.

Prevention

How can I protect myself from spider bites?

To protect yourself and your family from spider bites:

• Apply insect repellant that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Keep firewood outside and check it for spiders before bringing it into the house.
• Shake your shoes, hats and gloves to check for spiders before putting them on.
• Treat clothing and shoes with permethrin, an insecticide.
• Wear gloves when carrying wood, working in the garden, moving rocks or in other outdoor settings.
• Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have spider bites?

Most people with spider bites experience mild symptoms like pain and swelling. These symptoms gradually go away with at-home care.

You may have more painful and severe symptoms if a black widow, brown recluse or hobo spider bites you. With proper medical care, most people recover from venomous spider bites.

Living With

When should I call the doctor?

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Heart palpitations, a racing pulse or other heart problems.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Severe muscle pain, cramps, weakness or paralysis.
• Signs of infection, such as fever or yellow discharge from the bite area.
• Vision problems or severe headache.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have concerns about a spider bite, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What is the best treatment for my symptoms?
• How can I prevent future spider bites?
• Am I at risk for other problems?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Spiders get a bad rap, but they provide a helpful service by reducing the number of insects on the planet that could destroy crops and land. Spiders really don’t want to bite you. They only bite when they’re trapped or feel the need to defend themselves. Most spider bites are harmless. Your healthcare provider can offer suggestions for alleviating symptoms at home. You should seek immediate medical attention if a black widow, brown recluse or hobo spider bites you.

Spider bites – Symptoms and causes

Overview

Spider bites are usually harmless, and spiders don’t usually bite unless threatened.

Spider bites can cause redness, pain and swelling, or you might not notice them at all. Many other bug bites and skin sores cause redness, pain and swelling. So unless you actually saw a spider bite you, it’s difficult to be certain that your wound was caused by a spider.

Worldwide only a few species of spiders have fangs long enough to penetrate human skin and venom strong enough to hurt humans. Among these are widow spiders, with about 30 species, and recluse spiders, with more than 140 species worldwide.

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Symptoms

Typically, a spider bite looks like any other bug bite — a red, inflamed, sometimes itchy or painful bump on your skin — and may even go unnoticed. Harmless spider bites usually don’t produce any other symptoms.

Many skin sores look the same but have other causes, such as a bacterial infection.

Bites from some spiders, such as widow spiders and recluse spiders, might cause serious signs and symptoms.

Widow spider bites

Signs and symptoms of a widow spider bite can include:

• Redness, pain and swelling. You might have pain and swelling around the bite, which can spread into your abdomen, back or chest.
• Cramping. You might have severe abdominal rigidity or cramping, which is sometimes mistaken for appendicitis or a ruptured appendix.
• Nausea, vomiting, tremors or sweating. You might experience nausea, vomiting, tremors or sweating alone or in combination.

Symptoms can last 1 to 3 days.

Recluse spider bites

Signs and symptoms of a recluse spider bite can include:

• Increasing pain over the first eight hours after the bite
• Fever, chills and body aches
• A bite wound with a pale center that turns dark blue or purple with a red ring around it
• A bite wound that grows into an open sore (ulcer) with the skin around it dying

When to see a doctor

Seek medical care immediately if:

• You were bitten by a dangerous spider, such as a widow or recluse.
• You’re unsure whether the bite was from a dangerous spider.
• You have severe pain, abdominal cramping or a growing wound at the bite site.
• You’re having problems breathing or swallowing.
• The area of the sore has spreading redness or red streaks.

Causes

Severe spider bite symptoms occur as a result of the venom that the spider injects. Symptom severity depends on the type of spider, the amount of venom injected and how sensitive your body is to the venom.

Risk factors

Risk factors for spider bites include living in areas where spiders live and disturbing their natural habitat. Widow spiders and recluse spiders like warm climates and dark, dry places.

Widow spider habitat

Widow spiders can be found throughout the United States, except Alaska, and are more common in the rural South. They’re also found in Europe. They are more active in the warmer months and prefer to live in:

• Sheds
• Garages
• Unused pots and gardening equipment
• Woodpiles
• Closets and cupboards during cold weather

Recluse spider habitat

Recluse spiders are found most commonly in the southern half of the United States and in South America, where they are known as brown spiders. These spiders are so named because they like to hide away in undisturbed areas. They are most active in the warmer months. Indoors, they prefer to live:

• In cluttered basements and attics
• Behind bookshelves and dressers
• In rarely used cupboards

Sometimes they get mixed up in bed linens and clothing, causing many bites to occur in the early morning.

Outside, they seek out dry, dark, quiet spots, such as under rocks or in tree stumps.

Complications

Rarely, a bite from a widow spider or recluse spider is deadly, particularly in small children.

A severe wound from a recluse spider can take weeks or months to heal and leaves large scars.

Prevention

Spiders usually bite only in defense, when being trapped between your skin and another object.

To prevent spider bites:

• Learn what dangerous spiders look like and their preferred habitats.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat, long pants tucked into socks, gloves and boots when handling stored boxes or firewood and when cleaning out sheds, garages, basements, attics and crawl spaces.
• Inspect and shake out gardening gloves, boots and clothing before use.
• Use insect repellents, such as DEET. Carefully follow directions on the package.
• Keep insects and spiders out of the house by installing tightfitting screens on windows and doors, sealing cracks where spiders can come in, and using safe indoor insecticides.
• Reduce debris or remove piles of rocks or lumber from the area around your home and avoid storing firewood against the walls of your home.
• Make sure beds aren’t pushed against the wall and that only the legs of the bed touch the floor. Don’t store items under the bed and don’t let bedding drag on the floor.
• Remove spiders and spiderwebs from your home.
• If a spider is on your skin, flick it off with your finger rather than crushing it against your skin.
• When cleaning tarantula enclosures, wear gloves, a surgical mask and eye protection.

Which Insect Bites Cause Blisters?

Many insects cause blisters, but many blisters are so tiny that you experience them as just little bumps. However, some insects and spiders produce distinct and often very large blisters. In the United States, the bites of the brown recluse spider, the yellow sac spider and fire ants cause characteristic blisters. Handling of blister beetles also causes eruption of blisters on the skin. The blister-causing bites of these insects and arachnids are not life-threatening except in cases of hypersensitive individuals, who may have a severe allergic reaction to the venom or toxin.

Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider, native to the United States, is found in Midwestern and Southern states. You can identify the spider by the dark violin marking on its back. It is less than one half inch long. The spider likes to hang out in undisturbed dark indoor and outdoor places. It is not aggressive, but will bite if disturbed. When you get bitten, you may not feel the bite, but after two to eight hours, a small blister appears, surrounded by a red swollen area. The swollen area may become bluish-grey and enlarge to almost 3 inches. The bite from a brown recluse spider may take a long time to heal 1.

• The brown recluse spider, native to the United States, is found in Midwestern and Southern states.
• You can identify the spider by the dark violin marking on its back.

Yellow Sac Spider

Common Spiders in Nevada

Yellow sac spiders live outside and inside homes. They account for most spider bites, but bites are often misdiagnosed by health care providers as brown recluse spider bites, according to the Michigan State University Extension 1. They are small spiders, 1/8 to 3/8 inches long with a light yellow or beige body. The spiders usually hide by day and come out at night.

They bite when they become trapped between human skin and clothing or bed sheets. People often get bitten while gardening. The bite is usually painful; a blister will develop one to 10 hours later. The blister and redness is generally less severe than that produced by the brown recluse spider.

• Yellow sac spiders live outside and inside homes.
• The spiders usually hide by day and come out at night.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are 1/8 to 1/4-inch long and reddish-brown. They originated in South America, but now have spread and are prevalent in the southern part of the United States. Fire ants build large mounds in sunny locations in fields and gardens. When coming in contact with people or animals, they will attack, biting the skin repeatedly.

The sting of these ants is very painful and will itch before forming blisters. Although deaths are rare from fire ant bites, some people are allergic to the fire ant’s venom.

• Fire ants are 1/8 to 1/4-inch long and reddish-brown.
• The sting of these ants is very painful and will itch before forming blisters.

Blister Beetle

Poisonous Wood Spiders

Blister beetles range in length from less than half an inch to 1 inch. They have a narrow body, which can be black, grey, metallic or striped. They usually hang out in groups and feed on ornamental plants, vegetables and alfalfa. The bodies of these beetles contain a toxin, cantharadin, which causes blisters on the skin. Wear gloves when handling these beetles or crops containing live or dead beetles. Horses become very ill and may die when they eat feed contaminated with dead blister beetles.

• Blister beetles range in length from less than half an inch to 1 inch.
• The bodies of these beetles contain a toxin, cantharadin, which causes blisters on the skin.

White tailed spider – Better Health Channel

White-tailed Spider. © Australian Museum

The white tailed spider (Lampona cylindrata) is commonly found in homes throughout Australia. It tends to hide in bedding, or within clothes left on the floor.

Occasionally, weals, blistering or local ulceration have been reported – symptoms together known medically as necrotising arachnidism, although recent research suggests that the white tailed spider bite is probably not linked to this condition.

In most cases, the bite from a white tailed spider only causes a mild reaction, including itching and skin discolouration, which usually resolves after a few weeks. There are no specific first aid treatments for a white tailed spider bite, except the use of icepacks to help relieve the swelling. You should not use antibiotics. Always see your doctor if any spider bite does not clear up.

Seek advice from your local council or a professional pest control operator on how to eliminate the white tailed spider from your home.

Characteristics of the white tailed spider

The characteristics of the white tailed spider include:

• Having a cylindrical body.
• Being from 1 cm to 2 cm in length.
• Being dirty grey to brown colour.
• Having glossy legs.
• A characteristic light coloured grey or white spot at the ‘tail’.
• That two similar spots near the front of the body may also be present.

Hiding spots for white tailed spiders

The white tailed spider is found in homes throughout Australia. It tends to be more active during summer. Favourite hiding spots include:

• Bedding.
• Towels or clothes left on the floor.
• Nooks and crannies.
• Beneath mulch, leaves and rocks.
• Beneath tree bark.

Symptoms of a white tailed spider bite

Bites can occur anywhere on the body, but most often on arms and legs. The symptoms of a white tailed spider bite can include:

• Localised irritation, such as a stinging or burning sensation.
• A small lump.
• Localised itchiness.
• Swelling.
• Discolouration of the skin.
• Ulceration of the bite (in some cases).
• Nausea and vomiting (in some cases).

First aid for a white tailed spider bite

Always try to keep the spider for identification purposes if you have been bitten. First aid suggestions to treat a white tailed spider bite include:

• Apply an icepack to help relieve swelling.
• See your doctor if the skin starts to blister or ulcerate.

Necrotising arachnidism

Necrotising arachnidism is a type of skin inflammation and ulceration that is caused by the bite of some spiders. Occasionally, the reaction is so severe that the person loses large amounts of skin and needs extensive skin grafts.

The white tailed spider and the black house spider, also found in Australia, have both been linked to necrotising arachnidism. However, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2003 examined 130 confirmed cases of white tailed spider bites and found that none had caused necrotising arachnidism. The study found most bites happened indoors, in warmer months and at night. In two thirds of cases, the spider was caught in bedclothes, towels or clothing. Most bites were painful, with some redness and itching. Nearly half the cases had a persistent, painful red lesion, but none of the lesions were found to be necrotic.

There is no confirmed cause of necrotising arachnidism. It is unclear why most people who are bitten have only mild reactions, while a very tiny minority suffers from skin ulceration. Researchers are divided, but current theories on the causes of necrotising arachnidism include:

• Mistaken identity – some researchers believe that white tailed spider bites aren’t capable of causing skin ulceration and suggest that other spiders or other factors are to blame.
• Misdiagnosis – in rare cases, a diagnosis of necrotising arachnidism has later been found to be another condition.
• Pre-existing medical conditions – various immune system disorders or problems with the circulatory system may predispose a person to necrotising arachnidism.

Necrotic lesions

Localised skin breakdown, loss and death (necrotic lesions) can be caused by a range of other factors, including:

• Poor blood circulation (one of the most common causes of leg ulcers).
• Unmanaged diabetes.
• Some fungal infections.
• Some bacterial infections.
• Burns, such as chemical burns.

Treatment for necrotising arachnidism

There is no cure for necrotising arachnidism. Treatment includes:

• Medications – including antibiotics and cortisone medication (corticosteroids).
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – oxygen delivered at higher than usual intensity and pressure.
• Surgery – the dead skin is removed and a skin graft applied.

Pest control treatment for white tailed spiders

Most white tailed spider bites occur inside the home where the spiders are found in bedding, towels or clothing. White tailed spiders prey on other spiders, and may help to control the population of other venomous spiders. You can control white tailed spiders in the house by clearing rooms of the webs of other spiders that attract the white tailed spider.

If you are concerned about spiders in the home, contact a qualified pest control operator.

Where to get help

Things to remember

• The white tailed spider is commonly found in homes throughout Australia.
• Most bites occur indoors, at night and in warmer months.
• The bite of a white tailed spider can be painful, but is unlikely to cause necrotising arachnidism, a rare condition characterised by ulceration and skin loss.

Spider Bite | Flint, MI | TLC Pediatrics

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Spider Bites and Bee Stings: Symptoms and Treatments

For anyone who spends time outdoors, bites and stings are almost inevitable. Mosquitos, ticks, ants, spiders, bees, wasps — all of these tiny creatures use their mouths or stingers to defend themselves or, in some cases, to grab a meal. But luckily for humans, bites and stings from insects and spiders are usually just uncomfortable, not medically significant.

However, some people are allergic to the venom of certain insects or spiders and can have severe, even life-threatening reactions to bites or stings. Additionally, certain insects and arachnids — like mosquitos and ticks — can transmit disease or cause infection through their bites.

Symptoms

In some cases, bites or stings can be painful. For example, bites from fire ants and stings from hornets, bees or wasps will likely get the attention of the victim. But some bites and stings are subtler, like those from mosquitoes, mites, fleas or ticks, which don’t typically hurt. However, in some cases these painless bites can cause infection or disease, which may lead to more severe symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Ultimately, symptoms will depend on what kind of critter bit or stung you and how your immune system reacts to the venom (or other substances) released during the bite or sting, according to the NIH.

Most insect bites or stings generate only minor skin symptoms such as itching, pain or swelling around the site, as well as burning or tingling. Delayed effects, which can appear within hours or days of a sting or bite, include painful joints, swollen glands, hives or fever, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In the case of ticks, symptoms can be more severe if the bite results in an infection or the transmission of a disease, such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. According to the NIH, symptoms of such tick bites include:

• Apnea and/or difficulty breathing
• Blisters
• Rash
• Severe pain at bite site
• Swelling at bite site
• Weakness
• Uncoordinated movement

While the bites of most spiders are not medically significant to humans and cause only mild, local skin reactions, more severe reactions can also occur. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), spider bite symptoms may include:

• Raised welt with a pinpoint-sized dot in the center
• Pain, itching or rash
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Profuse sweating
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chills and fever
• Allergic reactions

In addition to the symptoms listed above, those who are allergic to particular insects or spiders may also experience a localized reaction when stung or bitten. Such a reaction may include swelling of the entire joint where the bite or sting occurred, according to Dr. Susan Schuval, chief of the pediatric allergy and immunology department at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York. In extreme cases, those allergic to certain insects or spiders can experience anaphylaxis — a severe, whole-body reaction to the chemical toxins present in an insect or spider’s venom — Schuval told Live Science.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that requires emergency care, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Call 911 if reaction signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Facial or mouth swelling
• Abdominal pain or nausea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pale, moist skin that may appear blue
• Hives
• Confusion or disorientation
• Weakness or dizziness
• Fast, weak pulse

Types of insects and spiders that bite

Many common insects bite without provocation — or because they’re hungry — including mosquitoes, fleas, mites, flies, bedbugs, fire ants or ticks. Others, such as wasps, bees and hornets, sting when they feel threatened.

Most spiders are not aggressive and will only bite a human if they are surprised or threatened. Such bites usually result in nothing more than a red spot and some itching or swelling, according to Rick Vetter, a retired research associate of entomology at the University of California, Riverside.

“Spiders have venom which is evolved for paralyzing prey; it’s made for reducing activity or overcoming the neurophysiology of an insect. That’s one reason why spider bites have very little effect on humans,” Vetter told Live Science.  

In fact, many spiders have fangs that are too small to pierce human skin. Only a few spiders in the United States have venom toxic enough — and fangs large enough — to cause a medically significant bite in humans. These include the brown recluse and black widow, whose bites can be dangerous to humans and even fatal in some cases.

Brown recluse spiders are usually found in Midwestern and Southern states, according to the CDC, and are also called violin spiders because of the characteristic violin- or fiddle-shaped marking on their heads. These spiders have six equal-sized eyes (in contrast to the typical eight) and are about an inch long.

Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include:

• Deep blue or purple area around the bite, surrounded by white and red outer rings
• Burning, itching, pain or redness that may develop within hours or days
• Ulcer or blister that turns black
• Fever
• Rash
• Nausea or vomiting

Black widow spiders are usually found in southern and western parts of the United States, though they live throughout North America. Small, black and button-shaped with a characteristic red hourglass marking on the abdomen, black widows release a toxin that can damage the central nervous system.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, symptoms of a black widow spider bite include:

• Double fang marks at the site
• Immediate pain, swelling, burning and redness
• Headache and dizziness
• Rash and itching
• Cramping and rigidity in the chest, stomach, back and shoulders
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Eyelid swelling
• Weakness or paralysis, particularly in the legs
• Excess saliva or eye tearing
• Nausea and vomiting

Care & treatment

Most bites and stings require only minimal treatment. If a stinger is present, remove it by scraping a credit card or other straight-edged item across the stinger, according to the NIH. Use a pair of tweezers to remove a tick. If at all possible, you should try to safely recover the insect or spider that bit you, or at least try to identify it, according to Vetter. This will help healthcare professionals determine the best treatment option should you need medical attention.

All insect bites and stings should be washed with soap and water for several minutes. According to the Mayo Clinic, other treatments can include:

• Applying ice to reduce pain and swelling and absorption of the venom for 15 – 20 minutes every one to two hours
• Applying calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or topical benzocaine for itching and swelling
• Taking antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (found in the brand names Benadryl or Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (in Chlor-Trimeton and Actifed).
• Wiping the bite or sting area with alcohol or a cool damp cloth with water from a nearby river or spring while hiking or camping

In some cases, a large local reaction can affect the entire joint of the limb that was stung or bitten. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe histamine, as well as oral steroids, according to Schuval. Those with a systemic, or whole body, reaction to the venom of certain insects may undergo venom immunotherapy treatment, in which the patient receives a series of shots containing the venom of the insect (or insects) to which they are allergic. This treatment can reduce a person’s risk of having a systemic reaction to insect venom from 60 percent to less than 10 percent, according to Schuval.

Antivenins are available to treat bites from many of the world’s most venomous spiders. Suspected spider bites should receive prompt medical attention if they result in severe symptoms. If the wound from a suspected bite becomes inflamed or infected, you should also see a physician, as this may be indicative of a skin infection or other condition not caused by a spider or insect, according to Vetter.

For those who are aware of allergies to certain types of bites and stings, it would be advisable to carry an epinephrine. Matthew Lau, chief of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, said a single-dose epinephrine injector should be used if symptoms such as trouble breathing, lightheadedness or hives occurs, and to take a second dose if one is available and symptoms don’t improve within 10 to 15 minutes. Allergy shots could also be beneficial to those looking to reduce their allergic sensitivity of future bites and stings.

James Baker, an emergency medicine specialist from Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park, provided a few home remedies for spider bites, including making a baking soda paste (diluted 1:3 with water), applying table salt to a wet washcloth and applying to the bite area, applying activated charcoal diluted with water, or applying a starchy potato that has been grated or shredded directly on the bite wound. These home remedies have been tested and have appeared to be effective at drawing out toxins and providing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce the pain and potentially slow full allergic response (anaphylaxis) in order to buy some time while waiting for a 911 response, according to Joshua Kugler, chair of the Emergency Services Department at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

Preventing insect bites

Those who are allergic to the venom of certain insects, like bees, should practice what Schuval called “bee avoidance measures.” These include avoiding the nests of insects, not wearing perfume outdoors and leaving your yellow shirts in your closet, she said.

Because mosquitos and ticks in many parts of the world can carry diseases or cause infection, it’s recommended that people spending a significant amount of time outdoors protect themselves against these insects. To limit your exposure to mosquito and tick bites, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. If you are in an area where these insects are prevalent, use a bug spray containing 5 to 7 percent DEET, a chemical compound known to keep certain insects at bay, according to Jonathan Day, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida.

If you’re concerned about using DEET on yourself or young children, products containing essential oils — known as botanicals — can also be used, Day told Live Science. However, DEET is still effective when sprayed on clothing instead of directly on the skin and should be used if you are spending a significant amount of time in active mosquito and tick habitats, he added.

Those who live in areas known for poisonous spiders should always be vigilant and avoid disturbing them, according to Baker. Preventive measures include carefully removing cobwebs and spider webs from dark places, such as garage corners, wood and rock piles, tires, old furniture and piles of old clothes and newspapers. Regularly cleaning living areas and keeping doors and windows closed helps prevent spiders from coming inside to areas that are easily accessible by children and pets. Spiders are also drawn to their food supply areas: where other insects live. Using insecticides or essential oils to kill or prevent insects in these areas can deter spiders from inhabiting there. Insecticides that contain active ingredients such as pyrethrin and allethrin can deter or kill spiders, but the spiders often will need to come into direct contact with the chemicals. Candles and electrical appliances designed to keep insects away may also help with spiders as these tools drive away the insects spiders prey upon. However, these tools, as well as DEET, do not work directly on spiders.

Baker said the best way to prevent spider bites is to avoid spiders, as they typically only bite when they feel threatened. He recommended that spiders be brushed off and not crushed if they do get on skin. Actual spider bites are rare and often attributed to other bug bites or skin infections.

Additional reporting by Rachel Ross, Live Science Contributor.

Additional resources

Brown Recluse Spider Bite – What You Need to Know

1. CareNotes
2. Brown Recluse Spider Bite

This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What should I know about a brown recluse spider bite?

Brown recluse spiders are venomous. The bite wound may heal on its own, but you will need treatment if the wound gets worse. The venom may cause severe skin and tissue damage after several hours or days.

What are the signs and symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite?

You may not feel anything at first. Within hours of the bite, you may feel mild burning or irritation in the bite wound. You may have any of the following:

• Severe swelling and pain at the site
• Blister that is blue in the center and ringed by redness
• Pimple-like lesion with yellow or green pus
• Ulceration (break in skin or mucous membrane)
• Rash that itches
• Dark urine
• Fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, or seizures
• Joint pain

How is a brown recluse spider bite diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine the injured area. He may ask about your medical history. You may need to have blood or urine tests or a skin biopsy. If you are able to capture the spider safely, bring it to your healthcare provider. This will help him plan the right treatment for you.

How is a brown recluse spider bite treated?

A brown recluse spider bite may heal on its own without treatment. It is important to clean the wound site with soap and water. If the bite wound gets worse or you get sick, you may need medicine or surgery.

• Ice the wound: Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Put ice in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag with a towel and put it on the site of the spider bite for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Elevate the wound: Keep the bite area above the level of your heart to help decrease redness and swelling. If you were bitten on the arm or leg, prop it on pillows to keep the area elevated comfortably.
• Compress the wound: A compression bandage around the wound can reduce pain and swelling.
• Medicines:
  • Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  • Antihistamines: This medicine may be given to help decrease itching.
  • Antivenom: There is no antivenom available for a brown recluse spider bite.
  • Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  • Td vaccine is a booster shot used to help prevent tetanus and diphtheria. The Td booster may be given to adolescents and adults every 10 years or for certain wounds and injuries.
• Surgery: This is done if the damaged tissue around your wound needs to be removed.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: This is also called HBO. HBO is used to get more oxygen into your body. The oxygen is given under pressure to help it get into your tissues and blood. You may be put into a tube-like chamber called a hyperbaric or pressure chamber. You will be able to see your healthcare providers and talk with them through a speaker. You may need to have this therapy more than once.

How can a I prevent a brown recluse spider bite?

• Recognize the spider: Brown recluse spiders are usually brown and have a pattern on the back that looks like a violin.
• Learn where to find them: These spiders live in the central and southern parts of the United States. They can be found from April to October and are active at night. They prefer to live in dark, warm, dry places. Some examples are under rocks, boards, and woodpiles, in dark corners, and under furniture.
• Use caution: These spiders are not aggressive. They bite people only when threatened. Make noise when you enter attics or other spaces where spiders may live. Noise may scare them away. Use caution when you remove a web or spider.
• Be proactive: Clean closets, sheds, and attics completely. Shake out clothes or shoes that are lying on the floor or stored before you put them on. Check your sheets before you get into bed. Remove woodpiles and other trash from outside areas, especially piles where spiders can live. Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts, pants, and shoes when you work near wood or garbage piles.

What are the risks of a brown recluse spider bite?

• Treatment for a brown recluse spider bite may have side effects. Medicines may cause nausea or vomiting. You may have sore throat, or your skin may become pale or yellowish. You may develop soreness, redness, or swelling in the muscle where the tetanus shot was given. Even with treatment, your wound may become worse, or you may get very sick from having the poison in your body.
• Untreated spider bites may lead to more serious problems, such as swelling and infections. Severe swelling may cause blood supply problems in the area. Infection may spread to other parts of your body and become life-threatening. People who have diabetes, blood supply problems, or have decreased ability to fight infection are at a higher risk of problems.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• You have a rash, itching, or swelling after you take your medicine.
• The bite becomes red and swollen.
• You have pain or problems moving the injured part or get tender lumps in the groin or armpits.
• Your wound continues to get larger.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care or call 911?

• You have a fever or chills.
• The skin around your wound gets red, or the wound gets more painful.
• You have a headache, or nausea and vomiting.
• You have numbness or tingling in the bite area.
• You have trouble talking, walking, or breathing.
• Your urine is darker, or you urinate less than is usual for you.
• Your wound does not stop bleeding even after you apply pressure.
• Your wound or bandage has pus or a bad smell.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Medical Disclaimer

“Insect Bites” – Yandex.Q

Insect bites are puncture wounds or incisions made by insects. The insect can bite for self-defense or in search of food.

When bitten, insects usually inject formic acid. This can lead to blistering, inflammation, redness, swelling, pain, itching, and irritation.

The reaction depends on the type of insect and the sensitivity of the person. Flea, tick, and mosquito bites usually cause itching rather than pain.

In this article, we will look at the types of insects that bite, how people react, and how to treat the bite.

What insects bite?

The effect of an insect bite can range from mild irritation to serious illness.

The following types of biting insects are most common:

Spiders, strictly speaking, are not insects, but they can also bite.

People react to bites in different ways.In one person, the bite may cause a slight itchy bump that goes away after a few days. In another, the same bite may cause a more severe reaction.

An infection may develop at the site of the bite, causing redness, local heat, and thickening of the skin around the area of ​​the bite with pus from the wound.

Combing the bite site can also lead to infection and hardening of the skin. This process is called lichenification.
People who work outdoors or regularly participate in outdoor activities have a higher risk of insect bites.

In colder climates, the risk of infection from insect bites is low. However, closer to the equator, the ambient temperature is much higher. Here, insect bites can lead to malaria, sleeping sickness, dengue, or Zika.

Reactions

Insect bites usually cause a slight itchy swelling of the skin. Sometimes the bite itself can be seen as a tiny hole. The swelling may fill with fluid.Sometimes inflammation develops around the area of ​​the bite.

Insect bites usually resolve within a few days without the need for medical attention.

Some people have an allergic reaction to insect bites. However, bites rarely cause a severe allergic reaction, unlike insect stings.

The following signs may indicate a severe allergic reaction:

• profuse patchy rash that can spread to other parts of the body
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• cramping abdominal pain
• weakness or dizziness
• nausea
• heart palpitations
• Severe edema that may develop in another part of the body, far from the area of ​​the bite, such as swelling of the tongue or lips
• very severe itching

90,040 wheezing when breathing.

These symptoms require immediate medical attention .
Some people may develop a stronger reaction when they are bitten again by the same insect species. Sensitization may occur, in which a person becomes more sensitive to insect saliva.

When an insect bite area is infected, the following symptoms may appear:

• pus in or around the bite wound
• enlarged lymph nodes
• fever
• feeling unwell
• flu-like symptoms

Redness, pain and swelling in the area of ​​the bite may increase.
An itchy papule or blister sometimes appears and persists for several days. Ultimately, after a few bites, most people become immune and insensitive to insect saliva.

Allergic reactions to insect bites usually last no more than a few hours, but sometimes they can persist for months. In this case, you should consult your doctor.

Spider bites

Spiders are not insects, but they can bite too.Some spider bites are quite dangerous to humans.

Brown recluse spider bite

For example, the bite of a brown recluse spider causes only a slight burning sensation at the time of the bite. However, it can be very dangerous, causing tissue death and severe pain.

Redness appears in the area of ​​the bite. The pain can become intense over about 8 hours.

A fluid-filled bubble forms at the site of the bite.The bladder then disappears, leaving behind a deep, enlarging ulcer.

Sometimes this ulcer goes away without any additional complications. However, in other cases, the ulcer enlarges or bacteria begin to multiply in it.

Symptoms include mild fever, lethargy, nausea, and sometimes a rash. Fatalities are rare, but possible, especially in young children. If you have a growing sore or redness and infection after recent contact with a brown recluse spider, see your doctor.

Black widow bite

Black Widow – One of the most venomous spiders, but its bite is rarely fatal. The bite feels like a needle prick. There may be slight swelling and faded red spots, but after a few hours, cramping and severe pain occurs.

Also possible:

• chills
• fever
• nausea
• severe abdominal pain

If you suspect a black widow bite and severe pain and spasm in the area of ​​the bite, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Depending on the severity of the reaction to the venom, doctors may decide to administer a medicated serum against spider venom.

Black widow bites often leave marks and a person may develop swelling, muscle pain and spasms around the bite area.

Brown widow

Brown widows are found in southern California and are often found in buildings, cars, and vegetation. They are generally less aggressive than black widows, but their venom is stronger.Brown widow bites are relatively harmless.

Funnel tarantulas (Dipluridae)

Funnel tarantulas weave characteristic funnel-shaped webs that make them easy to identify. They are found throughout North America and are one of the deadliest spider species in the world. An antidote has been developed, but it must be administered immediately after the bite.

Wolf spiders (Lycosidae)

Wolf spiders are distributed throughout the United States of America and are unique in that they do not weave webs.They are large and hairy, and people often mistake them for tarantulas. Wolf spider bites are venomous and often very painful. However, they are not fatal.

Yellowfin spider (Cheiracanthium inclusum)

Yellow sand spiders are common throughout the United States, often living indoors. After a bite of yellow sac spiders, redness and swelling usually appear.

Brown recluse spider

The brown recluse spider is most often found in the darkest parts of the house.It is attracted by the warm and dry climate, so recluse spiders are found mainly in the southern and central regions of the United States. Hermit spider bites usually do not cause symptoms, but in rare cases, hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells is possible.

American wandering spider

The American wandering spider first appeared in Europe, and now lives in various states of North America. It is most often found in hard-to-reach places and cracks, both inside and outside the house.After being bitten by a wandering spider, redness and swelling often appear in the affected area.

Solpuga

Solpugs are desert dwellers, and people often mistake them for scorpions. Despite the pain, their bites are not fatal to humans.

Tick ​​bites

The tick bite usually resolves within 3 weeks, but if parts of the insect’s mouth remain in the skin, symptoms may persist.Ticks are commonly found in tall grass and around deer habitats.
Tick bites are usually painless, but swelling may appear at the site of the bite. However, ticks can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and other diseases that can lead to serious health problems.

Abomination, mosquitoes and midges

Bites usually cause small itchy bumps or papules.Sensitive people may develop blisters.
Mosquito bites can transmit diseases such as malaria, zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis.

Fleas

A flea bite usually results in a blister that reaches its maximum severity after 5-30 minutes and then turns into a dense papule within 12-24 hours. In people who are sensitive to insect bites, itching around the area of ​​the bite may persist for a week or more.

Fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) or plague.

Blind

Horsefly bites can be painful. The following symptoms are possible:

• dizziness
• Possible itching of eyes and lips, with the appearance of pink or red swelling
• fatigue
• general weakness
• urticaria, blistering rash
• wheezing on breathing

Horsefly bites can take a long time to heal, because when bitten, this insect cuts the skin.

Bed bugs

Initial bed bug bites usually do not cause a reaction, but people with high sensitivity may develop spots or papules after the next bite. Learn more about bedbugs – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158065.php

Bed bugs are a serious public health problem.

To get rid of bed bugs, throw away the mattress and wash sheets and clothes in very hot water.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are very small flies that are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, from the rainforests of Brazil to the deserts of Western Asia.

They are approximately 3 millimeters (mm) long and are golden, brown or gray in color.

In the past, they were rarely seen in the United States, but can now be found in the southern states. In 2012, people reported mosquitoes in Kansas and Missouri.Mosquitoes prefer deciduous forests and usually bite from sunrise to sunset.

People can also be bitten by a mosquito during travel or military service abroad.

Mosquito bites can be painful and itchy. Red papules and blisters may appear, in some cases ulcers.
Mosquitoes are also capable of carrying diseases such as leishmaniasis and Heartland virus. Leishmaniasis is a serious condition that can lead to skin ulcers, fever, and a decrease in white blood cell count, depending on the type.

Heartland virus is another serious infection that usually requires hospitalization.

Risk factors

The risk of an insect bite depends on the environment.
Pets, populous communities with low hygiene standards and bird nests are common sources of fleas. Moving to a new home that has been empty for a while can activate sleeping fleas.

Bedbugs prefer old furniture and upholstery.They usually reside in rental properties and low-income hotels. They live in mattresses, clothes, and so on.

Some people have a higher risk of being bitten by ticks and mice because of their profession.

Travel and camping can also increase the risk of insect bites.

Diagnostics

Insect bites are usually easy to diagnose, but a person will only see a doctor if the reaction is severe.

Treatment

If symptoms persist or are severe, it is recommended to see a dermatologist.

Mild and limited reaction usually resolves within a few days.

Cold compress on the affected area, oral pain relievers, steroid cream, or anesthetic can reduce discomfort.

Antihistamines sometimes help. A variety of bite remedies can be purchased over the counter (OTC) or online.

A more serious local allergic reaction may require oral antihistamines or oral pain relievers.

For more severe cases of edema, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids.

Small, itchy papules or rashes near the bite can be treated with an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, or an oral antihistamine.
Scratching the skin or opening the blister may introduce bacteria and cause infection.

For severe skin reactions and more general symptoms, the physician may refer the patient to a specialist for desensitization or treatment of the allergic reaction.

If symptoms worsen or do not improve, see a doctor.
For flea, tick, or bed bug bites, try to find a habitat. If the source of these insects comes from a pet, the pet will need treatment, and bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets throughout the house will need to be cleaned.

Bed bugs require calling a pest control company to disinfect the home. To prevent bed bugs, wash your bedding at high temperatures and replace old pillows and mattresses.

Tick ​​bites

Remove the tick immediately to reduce the risk of contracting an infection such as Lyme disease.

The best way is to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, preferably with tweezers, and gently pull it straight up, making sure that no parts are left in the skin.

Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause parts of the insect to come off and remain in the skin. Petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, or a lit match are also ineffective.

After removing the tick, wash your hands and bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.

Scratching increases the likelihood of edema and the risk of infection. In most cases, tick bites heal within 2-3 weeks.
If a rash develops around your armpits, thighs, or groin, or if you develop flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, see your doctor. The doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.

Complications

A secondary bacterial infection such as cellulitis, lymphangitis or impetigo may develop if the bite is scratched and the skin is damaged.These infections are treated with antibiotics.
Some ticks carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.

Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium carried by some ticks, causes Lyme disease. The person develops a red rash that spreads in breadth. Antibiotics can also help treat Lyme disease.

Without treatment, Lyme disease can lead to meningitis, facial paralysis, radiculopathy and, in rare cases, encephalitis.Other risks include joint damage leading to arthritis and heart problems.

Different types of mosquitoes carry various diseases, such as West Nile virus and malaria.

Prevention

The following measures can help prevent insect bites, especially in warm weather:

• Use mechanical barriers such as window screens or screens
• avoid wooded, shrub and grassy areas
• Avoid strong-smelling cosmetics and brightly colored clothing
• Close drinks and trash cans
• Wear long sleeves and long trousers tucked into shoes or socks, and wear a hat
• Check for stagnant water in various containers as this creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Insect repellent

Use of insect repellent or repellent may be required. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should have issued a permit to use the active ingredient in the spray. It is possible to spray the repellent on clothing, but avoid contact with its face. Follow the instructions for use of the product carefully.
Insect repellent not suitable for babies.If the child is under 10 years of age, the repellent should contain no more than 10 percent DEET. Eucalyptus oil may be effective, but it is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.

Insect repellents can be purchased online. If repellents will be used on children, make sure they contain no more than 10 percent DEET.

Do not apply repellent to your child’s hands, eye area, cuts or irritated skin.

When using insect repellent and sunscreen, apply sunscreen first.

There are clothes, footwear and camping equipment on sale that were treated by manufacturers with permethrin. Permethrin spray is sold online. Set up your tents away from water or swamps.
Travelers should check for a risk of infection in the area they plan to visit and take the necessary precautions.

Local health authorities and park administrations may provide information on tick habitats. If visiting such an area cannot be avoided, walk down the center of the paths to avoid contact with vegetation.

90,000 Dangerous animals of Thailand

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Anticipating an interesting vacation in outlandish places, it is useful to remember about elementary caution and look around not only out of curiosity.

Some believe that only large animals can be dangerous. But sometimes even the smallest representatives of the fauna can cause many problems. In Thailand, you can easily find either a dangerous or a poisonous animal.Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Wild Elephants

Wild elephants are found in Thailand. Most often, they behave calmly towards people, but the situations are different. For example, an elephant may suddenly attack a moving car.

Monkey

There are a lot of monkeys in Thailand, especially near temples, in parks and even on beaches. They are wild and can be dangerous to humans. These animals are very playful and unceremonious, they are not afraid of people.Hungry individuals can attack a tourist and take away all valuable things, food, and clothing from him. In the worst case, the monkey can bite and infect with rabies. Therefore, after a bite, you should consult a doctor and take a course of injections against this dangerous disease. You should be afraid of male monkeys, who, according to the laws of nature, protect their flock. Do not clench your fists at them, do not smile, show your teeth, do not behave aggressively towards members of the pack. All bright and tempting items should be removed if you are on a trip to Monkey Island.Cover your shoulders and head as macaques can jump on you and scratch you.

Giant centipede

The giant centipede (or centipede) is distributed throughout Thailand – not only in forests, but also in cities. Scolopendra can grow up to 50 cm in length. Like many other insects and reptiles in Thailand, Scolopendra enters the room, wanting shelter from the rain. She can unexpectedly be found in a shoe or among clothes. From fright, she is able to bite.Their venom is not deadly. However, the bite causes swelling, pain that will be felt for 3-4 days. This does not require special treatment. The exception is when a scolopendra bite will cause an allergic reaction. This bite can be mistaken for a snake bite, especially if it happened in the dark.

Spiders

Thailand is home to many species of spiders (large and small). But not many species attack humans for no reason. Several thousand spider bites are recorded a year.Death from spider bites is quite rare, with approximately three reported cases per year. Spider bites cause inflammation, pain, muscle spasms, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction. The most poisonous spiders in the world – Mediterranean hermits – were discovered in Thailand (in the Sai Yok cave). You cannot touch these creatures.

Poisonous caterpillars

Caterpillars in Thailand are small, brightly colored and have many hairs on the body.Their bite will not cause a fatal outcome, but severe itching will be felt at the site of the bite, watery blisters will form, which will burst after a week, but after that the itching will not disappear.

Sharks

Sharks are found in Thailand, but most of them are not dangerous to humans. They are afraid to appear near a large crowd of people. Sharks do not like the noise of water transport, so meeting them on public beaches is unlikely. If you are diving, there is a chance to meet a shark, but many species of sharks feed on small fish and are not able to eat humans.However, if they smell blood, they may attack, so do not go deep if you have open wounds.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish do not bite. But on their body there are stinging cells that secrete a poisonous substance that causes burns. The site of contact with the jellyfish can heal for weeks, leaving serious scars. Jellyfish in Thai seas are perhaps the most dangerous. One jellyfish won’t do much harm. But there were times when swimmers fell into flocks of jellyfish and lost consciousness from a large amount of poison right in the water.At the end of summer, information appeared that in Pattaya there are jellyfish that can seriously injure and even kill a person. At risk are young children, the elderly, heart patients, asthmatics, allergy sufferers, people with diseases of the nervous system. But most often, the victims are helped by procedures in the hospital. Jellyfish are afraid of the sun and activate in bad weather, especially after a storm. Thus, swimming in good, sunny weather does not threaten to meet these translucent creatures.

Cone snail

One of the most dangerous marine animals.It has a very beautiful bright shell of various colors. Anyone will want to take it as a souvenir. But this beauty is fraught with danger! The mollusk has a poisonous thorn, capable of shooting a substance that can kill a person at a distance of a meter. Snails are found at depth, near coral reefs, but sometimes they are thrown ashore by a wave. Don’t touch the bright and attractive cone-shaped shells!

Sea urchins

These inhabitants of the underwater world are dangerous not only in water, but also on land, as they are often thrown by a wave onto the shore, and tourists do not always burden themselves with the habit of walking on the beach in shoes.Some argue that a needle prick of a sea urchin is not dangerous to health, but even useful. But, you must admit, stepping on a needle 10 centimeters long is a very dubious joy. First of all, this is a foreign body and infection. In addition, an allergic reaction may occur. In a word, if you have had close contact with this animal, you must immediately consult a doctor.

Mosquitoes

The most dangerous mosquitoes are those that carry dengue. They are distinguished by a black body with white spots.They love to live in the shade and dampness. Dengue fever is similar in symptoms to a strong flu (large temperature swings, head and joint pains, general weakness, lack of appetite). In addition, a rash appears. And most importantly, blood clotting decreases. There is currently no cure for this fever. However, you need to see a doctor immediately. The disease lasts 5-14 days. It can be prevented by a vaccination made in advance of a trip to this country.

Scorpio

Scorpio grows to the size of an adult’s palm.The smaller the scorpion, the greater the concentration of poison in its thorn. Thai scorpions are not as venomous as their counterparts in Mexico, Africa or the Middle East. They inhabit the entire territory, from the jungle to home gardens. Scorpions, like centipedes, climb into the house during the rain. There is an assumption that scorpions are attracted by the smell of beer, so beer bottles should be cleaned up on time. Scorpio runs fast. The bite of a Thai scorpion is not fatal, but it is dangerous with many allergic reactions. The bite site will itch a lot.But no one can guarantee that the scorpion you meet is safe. Poisonous stings are noticeable in comparison with relatively small claws. After being bitten by a scorpion, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Lionfish, or lionfish

The lionfish attracts the attention of tourists with its bright colors and numerous spikes in the form of rays. Its sea neighbors avoid it, but tourists strive to pet or take pictures. The harsh “rays” contain poison that can be fatal to humans.From an accidental touch, swelling and a painful wound remain for the entire vacation, or even longer. The prick of this fish with thorns is very painful, causing paralysis of the skeletal and respiratory muscles. You cannot eat this fish, it is very poisonous. During the day, the fish, perfectly camouflaging, hiding in crevices, caves or under corals, appears on the reef in the afternoon and is most active at dusk. Therefore, tourists should not get carried away by evening swimming.

Snake

Snakes are the most dangerous in Thailand.Here they are inhabited by about 175 different species and subspecies, 56 of which are deadly poisonous. The good thing is that when it sees you, the snake will try to crawl away. But if you catch up with her and step on, she will definitely bite. Then there is a direct and emergency road to the hospital. There are a large number of antidotes to the venoms of various types of snakes in the country in free access, and local doctors have extensive experience in this area.

Migratory Larva

A very small but terribly unpleasant creature that lives in Thailand.It is a parasite that lives in Africa and Southeast Asia. These larvae are carried by cats and dogs, of which there are a lot in the country. Walking barefoot on the ground or grass has a huge chance of picking up the parasite. They die quickly in the hot sand under the hot sun, so it’s not dangerous to walk on the beach. But in the shade of trees, on lawns and wet ground, this parasite will feel at ease. The migratory larva can penetrate the skin and cause severe itching and redness. Symptoms can last for several months and get worse.Fortunately, this disease is not very dangerous and is quite easily treated with antibiotics. The difficulty is that doctors in Russia may misdiagnose. Symptoms are often confused with fungal infections or scabies.

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90,000 The Center for Acute Poisoning of the State Healthcare Institution “GKBSMP No. 25” warns that the season of poisonous spiders is in full swing.

06/08/2019

Since May 2019, 12 people, including 2 children, have turned to the Center for Acute Poisoning of the State Healthcare Institution “GKBSMP No. 25” of Volgograd on urgent indications with karakurt bites.It should be noted that the greatest species diversity of poisonous animals in the Volgograd region is observed precisely among the representatives of the order of spiders (Araneae), of which there are over 122 species in the region.
Of interest for toxicology are the following arachnids of the Volgograd region, which are associated with an increase in poisoning upon contact with their venom over the past 7 years: are very painful, and, in addition, can cause prolonged bouts of nausea and severe headaches; Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (karakurt) – Its bites can be fatal to humans and animals such as horses.Lycosa praegrandis (huge tarantula), Lycosa singoriensis (South Russian tarantula).
Karakurt or steppe spider is a type of spider from the genus of black widows. Karakurt has an average size: female 10-20 mm, male 4-7 mm. The body is black, the male and female have red spots on the abdomen, sometimes with white edging around each spot. Fully mature individuals acquire a black color without spots, with a characteristic shine. They are found in the desert zone of Kazakhstan, in the steppes of the Astrakhan region, Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Yenisei, in North Africa, southern Europe and southern Ukraine.There have been cases of attacks in the south of the Urals, bordering territories with Kazakhstan (Orsk, Orenburg region Recently, the population has increased in the Rostov and Volgograd regions. In hot years, karakurt can migrate to more northern regions, for example, the Moscow region. Ideal habitat conditions are where the summer is hot and warm autumn.
Spiders from the genus Latrodectus produce highly specialized protein neurotoxins, latrotoxins. Among the victims of karakurt bites, there are people of all ages.The season of bites from year to year remains mostly constant – from May to September, but it can start a week or two earlier or later, depending on the weather conditions of each year, which can accelerate or delay the emergence of spiders from their cocoons. So, in the Volgograd region in 2011-2012. bites were reported at the end of May, and in 2009 and 2010 at the beginning of June. In December 2011, a case of the bite of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (karakurt) was recorded, which araneologists associate with their resettlement closer to human dwellings and, accordingly, with greater winter hardiness.
The frequency of bites varies throughout the season. It rises in July and August. These rises should be explained by the travels of the spider associated with the mating season and the change of habitats. Bites of karakurt occur under a variety of circumstances: in a hut, in a private house, in a tent, in a shed, in a meadow, on straw near a combine, in hay near a house, on, etc. Many people incorrectly think that karakurt is specifically looking for a person and attacks him. In reality, the karakurt accidentally crawls into the sleeping person’s bed while traveling and, only being “crushed”, bites for the purpose of self-defense.You need to be more careful when being in nature and when working in garden plots.
In the clinical picture of poisoning, it is customary to distinguish between local and general phenomena. Local phenomena are usually very varied. They can be expressed in the form of redness of the bite site with swelling to one degree or another, the appearance of a bubble filled with a clear liquid, etc. But most often at the site of the bite, it is not possible to notice not only signs of inflammation, but even bite marks. The severe clinical picture of poisoning with a bite of a karakurt puts local phenomena in second place.General phenomena when biting a karakurt should be considered basic. Although the signs of poisoning after a bite are very diverse, the clinical picture of the disease is very characteristic.
The disease, as a rule, begins suddenly and is extremely acute in a completely healthy person before. The burning pain arising at the site of the bite in 15 – 20 minutes almost perceptibly spreads to the adjacent parts of the body and organs. After 20 – 40 minutes, chills, pains in the chest, abdomen and especially in the extremities appear, as well as a burning sensation throughout the body.Severe weakness develops, sometimes depriving the patient of the ability to move independently. Strong excitement appears and, which is especially characteristic, fear of death. Breathing is difficult. The pulse becomes rapid, the heart sounds are muffled; blood pressure rises first. Urinary retention sets in. Some patients experience salivation and difficulty swallowing. Three hours later, a spasm of the lower and upper extremities appears. Later, four to five hours after the bite, nausea, vomiting, tension of the rectus abdominis muscles and constipation appear.The tongue, while remaining moist, is covered with a white coating. Puffiness of the face, swelling of the eyelids and torrential sweat, which is combined with chills, are noted at 8 – 10 o’clock. The temperature is subfebrile (from normal to 38 °), less often normal or high. Significant changes occur in the blood. With the disappearance of the symptoms of poisoning, the patient’s condition gradually improves. During the recovery period, more often on the third or fourth day of the disease, an abundant polymorphic itchy rash may appear on the skin of the chest, abdomen and extremities, disappearing without a trace after three to four days. The disease lasts from three to ten days.After discharge from the hospital, the patients remain inoperable for 5-15 days due to severe weakness.
Fatalities after karakurt bites do occur, but extremely rarely and only in those cases when the victims do not receive medical assistance.
When bitten by a karakurt, you must immediately seek medical help at the nearest medical institution or call an ambulance to hospitalize the patient in the Center for Acute Poisoning of the Volgograd Region, where specialized medical care will be provided.
90,000 Insect bites: types, photos and treatment

We have compiled for you a selection of the top 8 most common bites that you can feel while walking in the city or abroad on an exotic vacation.

See also: What to do with a bee sting

Mosquito bite

A mosquito bite looks like a reddened subcutaneous bladder that itches a lot. As a rule, no special measures need to be taken, except perhaps to spread the bite site with a soothing ointment.

It is better not to comb mosquito bites

But if after a bite you suddenly feel fever, joint pain or swelling of the lymph nodes, you should consult a doctor – perhaps an infection has entered your bloodstream. After all, mosquitoes are recognized as the most dangerous modern virus transporter in the whole world.

See also: How to protect yourself from mosquito bites: practical advice

Flea bite

These bites cause severe itching. Flea bites usually appear in clusters of 3-4 dots and resemble small red bubbles.

Stay away from animals that can carry fleas

First wash with soap and water. Then you need to lubricate the bites with zinc cream or another remedy that relieves itching. The main thing is not to comb the bites so as not to infect.

Bedbug bite

Bedbug bites look different. Someone may not notice them at all, while someone has a strong allergic reaction, accompanied by itching and painful sensations.

Bed bugs most often live in damp buildings and old furniture

In addition to skin lesions, typical symptoms of bedbug bites include pain, itching, dermatitis, and in allergy sufferers, swelling and even blisters.

The main enemy of bedbugs is hygiene. Therefore, first of all, wash with soap, paying special attention to the bite sites. In extreme cases, you may need an anti-inflammatory or antihistamine.

Spider bite

With the exception of a few species (such as the black widow and karakurt), most spider bites are harmless and completely non-poisonous.A characteristic feature of such a bite is two dots framed by a circle.

The main thing is not to panic when you see a spider on the body. Almost all of them are non-poisonous

If you are bitten by a spider, first wash the bite with soap and water. Then apply ice and take pain relievers if needed. If the bite is severely swollen, take an antihistamine.

If you have more severe symptoms or suspect that the spider was venomous, see your doctor as soon as possible.

See also: If bitten by a tick: what not to do

Tick bite

You can bring a tick home after relaxing in nature or walking in the park. Also, these parasites often live on animals (especially dogs) and they can be very dangerous to humans. Ticks carry many infections, in particular, they can transmit Crimean hemorrhagic fever and Lyme disease from person to another person.

But ticks are perhaps the most dangerous insect, and you need to carefully monitor the bite mark

If a tick has seized you, you need to remove it as soon as possible, without resorting to folk remedies such as oil, gasoline and moxibustion.

Use tweezers, picking the tick close to the skin and pulling it upward. Then wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water.

A carrier tick usually takes up to 48 hours to infect you with the virus, so you should always check for ticks after returning from the forest.

See also: How to protect yourself from ticks and not pick up an infection: important tips

Ant bite

Bites of some species of ants (for example, red forest) contain poison that causes itching, inflammation and irritation of the skin in humans.If your symptoms persist, apply cortisone ointment to the bite site.

In life, ant bites are not as scary as in the photo, but it happens in different ways

And if bubbles appear, do not “burst” them so as not to infect. If this happens, see your doctor immediately.

Wasp and bee sting

The poison of wasps and bees is not dangerous, although it can cause a painful condition that can manifest itself in the form of allergies. In this case, you must immediately consult a doctor, because the consequences can be very serious.

The main thing is to draw out the sting of the wasp and bee to avoid infection!

To relieve swelling, treat an insect bite with vinegar or other available means.