Brown Recluse Spider Deadly

The brown recluse spider, or Loxosceles reclusa, is rumored to be the most poisonous house spider in the United States. However, although the bite of a brown recluse can prove extremely harmful and may result in death in extreme cases, some brown recluse spider bites do not require medical attention.

The severity of a person's reaction to a brown recluse spider bite depends upon the amount of venom injected and the sensitivity of the individual in question. Some are relatively unaffected by the bite of the brown recluse and heal quickly, without scarring, while others can experience immediate and serious effects.

Bites are usually not painful and may go unnoticed for several hours, at which point symptoms appear. Typical cases involving brown recluse spiders result in soft tissue damage and illness. In more severe cases, injected venom kills tissue cells at the bite site, causing necrosis. White blisters manifest near the bite site and are ringed by a swollen, reddened area. These may erupt into so-called volcano lesions and gangrene. Lesions range from the size of a coin to the size of an extended hand and skin grafts may be necessary. Intense pain may also set in, accompanied by itching, fever, chills, restlessness, nausea, vomiting and shock.

Brown recluse spiders can prove deadly to humans if enough venom is received. Young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable. Seek medical attention at the first sign of brown recluse spider bite symptoms. 

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