Brown Recluse Spiders And Spider Bite Diagnosis?

Answer 1

Around the world, people deal with various types of dangerous insects and arachnids. In many parts of the world, insect bites are extremely dangerous due to a lack of local health care options. Although brown recluse Spiders are generally very small, their venom is incredibly dangerous. These spiders are generally medium brown, though they are occasionally gray or dark gray bordering on black. Their bodies are angular and segmented and almost appear similar to crabs' bodies. Fortunately for human beings, these spiders are fairly easy to identify. Though many other spiders have similar shapes and colorations, brown recluses are among only a few spiders that have three pairs of eyes. With their six eyes, brown recluses are quite unique and singular in appearance.

Brown recluse spiders are naturally found in parts of the American Southwest and in part of the southern Midwest. Every year, people mistakenly identify these spiders in places outside their known range. Because of this false reportage, the public has gained a fear of recluse bites that borders on hysteria. In fact, these spiders have entered the folklore of many states where no specimens can be found.

Brown recluse bites are occasionally very serious. They can lead to necrosis, gangrene and even the loss of limbs. However, these bites are only deadly in a tiny percentage of cases. Groups most vulnerable include the elderly, young children and those with compromised immune systems. Research has shown that the great majority of reported brown recluse bites are not recluse bites at all. Medical professionals routinely misdiagnose necrotic wounds as brown recluse wounds. Suspected brown recluse bites often turn out to be symptoms of Lyme disease, fungal infections or STDs.

Doctors and patients should keep open minds when analyzing potential brown recluse bites. Misdiagnosis can have life-threatening effects. Unfortunately, doctors and medical responders are hampered by their lack of knowledge in the field of arachnology. Other types of spiders can trouble people with frightening bites. Hobo spiders and yellow sac spiders can cause necrotic bite wounds. In most cases, these bites are relatively harmless. While brown recluse bites are potentially deadly, brown recluse spiders are generally not aggressive. These spiders usually only bite when directly pressed against skin.