Reactions to Insect Bites
Two of the more dangerous and poisonous spiders are a black widow spider and a brown recluse spider. Bites from a black widow spider can cause chills, fever, nausea, and abdominal muscle pain. Another severe reaction can result in breathing problems. Bites from a brown recluse spider can result in a blister that turns into a larger open sore. Other reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and chills also can occur.
Bites from the hobo spider can be confused with that of the brown recluse spider. The difference is in their poisons. The brown recluse's poison is called loxoscelism, and the hobo spider's poison is called tegenarism.
Any insect bite can cause an allergic-type reaction. The most dangerous is anaphylaxis -- a sudden onset of throat tightness and difficulty breathing -- for which immediate medical attention is necessary.
More common is hives (urticaria). If you develop itching not only around the bite but also in other areas of the body, usually accompanied by raised, red welts, which come and go and have central clearing, then you may be having an allergic reaction to the bite. Benadryl®, a nonprescription (over-the-counter) antihistamine, usually eliminates this reaction. This medication causes drowsiness, so you should not drive or do dangerous activities after you take the pill. The effects of Benadryl® usually last about six to eight hours. Hives may commonly recur up to three days, and if recurrences last beyond that time, see your primary healthcare practitioner about longer-acting medications.
Experiencing a severe reaction to a bite or sting in the past may increase your risk of having another severe reaction, which will require medical attention.
