Brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on the top of their backs and heads. The poisonous spiders, native primarily to the Midwest and middle southern states in the U.S., prefer to live in dark, isolated areas both indoors and out.
Bite
The physical reaction to a bite depends on the person's sensitivity to the venom and the amount of poison that was injected into the area.
Marks
Typically, a brown recluse leaves a red mark that will either begin to eat up the surrounding skin or just leave a small mark. The majority of bites are not serious and do not leave permanent scarring.
Reaction
The bite feels at first like a small pinprick. For those who are allergic to the venom, a severe stinging will ensue within about 2 to 8 hours and can cause vomiting, chills, fever and shock.
Risk
The bite of a brown recluse is usually not fatal, although young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems may be more at risk for serious complications that can include a deep hole at the site of the bite that can turn gangrenous.
Identification
Since there can be a number of reasons for the wound, from infection to bites from another insect, it is important that the spider be captured and shown to the treating physician.
First Aid
An ice pack can help to relive the swelling until doctors can administer antibiotics or other medications. First-aid kits are available from sites such as www.Brown-Recluse.com.
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