This is not a spider bite.
A spider will deliver a defensive bite usually
only once. Therefore, multiple bites occurring
over an extended period, are more likely to
be caused by biting insects such as fleas, bed
bugs and mosquitoes. The following indicates
that the source of the lesion is more likely to
be from a biting insect than a spider:
Multiple bite-like lesions on a single person,
especially if the lesions are spread over
different parts of the body.
Multiple instances of lesions over a period.
More than one person in a household displays
the same lesions.
Spider bites are often reported from places
where people live near each other, for
example, prisons, hospitals, hostels, nursing
homes and boarding schools. Further
investigations at these facilities often result in
no spiders being found. In almost every case,
the cause will be a bacterial infection (see
MRSA) and not spiders.
The following symptoms are typical of a MRSA
infection:
• Bumps, pimple-like lumps or blisters on the
skin (often blamed on baby Violin Spiders)
• Swelling and redness of surrounding tissue.
AgriKultuur |AgriCulture
• Deep lesion and tissue damage.
• Location of symptoms is often where
clothing rubs on the body, or in sweaty
areas such as armpits, buttocks, neck, face,
groin and feet.
• Recurring infections or symptoms.
• No improvement of symptoms after 2 days
of antibiotics.
Bacterial infections can be reduced by greater
attention to personal hygiene, such as more
frequent washing of hands, showering, more
changes of bed linen and clothing. The images
that accompany the Violin Spider Hoax Email
are a good example of a lesion caused as a
result of a bacterial infection.
Tick bites are often misdiagnosed as spider
bites. Multiple “spider bites” around the
ankles and lower legs, especially after walking
through long grass, can often be attributed to
ticks.
Asking for spider bite advice on Facebook and
Internet groups is like asking an art student for
financial advice.
Acknowledgement:
Jonathan Leeming, www.Scorpions.co.za
http://www.scorpions.co.za/spiderbite/
57