There are more than 30,000 species of spiders, most of which cannot inflict serious
bites to humans because of their delicate mouthparts and impotent or prey-specific
venoms. However, some spiders produce toxic
venoms that can cause skin lesions, systemic illnesses, and neurotoxicity. One of the more common
bites is inflicted by the widow spiders (Latrodectus species). A
bite from a widow spider results in
muscle spasms and rigidity starting at the
bite site within 30 minutes to two hours. Another common
bite is inflicted by the recluse spider (Loxosceles species). Most
bites from these spiders occur early in the morning and are initially painless. These
bites usually progress to ulcerating dermonecrosis at the
bite site.
Spider bites can be prevented by simple measures. Early species identification and specific management can prevent most serious sequelae of
spider bites.