Violin Spider, the symptoms that its bite causes and how to recognize it

It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the situation shouldn’t be underestimated. Let’s talk about the unfortunate case where the brown recluse spider bites to a human being: it happened recently to a 52 year old carabiniere of the Palermo court escort service, died at Cervello hospital after being bitten in the countryside by a violin spider. Without creating unnecessary alarmism, it is useful and important to be prepared for this eventuality, knowing how to manage it.

Symptoms of a Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Initially the bite pmay go unnoticed or cause only mild discomfortsimilar to that of an insect bite. However, within a few hours more significant symptoms may appear, including pain, tingling and itching. As experts at theNiguarda Hospital in Milan«in the span of the 48-72 hours laterthe sting may become necrotic and may ulcerate. In addition to injecting venom, the brown recluse spider can also transmit anaerobic bacteria into the tissues through its bite. (microorganisms that live in the absence of oxygen), which proliferate and complicate the course of the lesion. Their action in fact causes the liquefaction of tissues. In more serious situations, in addition to fever, skin rash and bruising, Muscle damage, kidney damage, and bleeding may occur. In many cases, furthermore, treatment in a hyperbaric chamber may be necessary.”

Where the violin spider lives

The violin spider is native to the Mediterranean regions, but has spread to many other areas of the world. In Italy it is quite common and It can be found both inside and outside homes. It prefers dry, dark and rarely frequented places, such as attics, basements, garages, closets and often hides behind furniture. Outdoors, it can be found under stones, between cracks in walls, and in tree trunks. Tends to go out at nightwhile during the day it is rare to come across the violin spider.

The real dimensions and how to recognize it

At first glance, it looks like any other spider, of modest size. The brownish-yellow body of the brownish-yellow spider which, in the male, reaches the 7mmwhich become 9 in case it is a female. To recognize it, pay attention to this detail: the violin spider (Loxosceles Rufescens) has a spot on the bodywhose shape resembles that of the musical instrument, hence its name.

What is the treatment after a violin spider bite?

According to what is suggested on the portal of the Niguarda Hospital in Milan, the actions to be promptly implemented if you suspect you have been bitten by a violin spider are the following:
-first of all, «wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
– if we somehow notice the presence of the spider, try to capture the animal and, even if killed, keep it. Identification is possible even if the spider is badly damaged: evaluating the head under the microscope, the presence of 6 eyes instead of 8 is evidentas is typical for all other spiders. A photo can also be helpful, making sure that the front of the spider is clearly visible and in focus.
–call the Poison Control Center especially if local symptoms appear and worsen in the following hours. Pay attention if a lesion appears characterized by a central area that is initially redder and becomes darker as the hours pass.”

Source: Niguarda Hospital in Milan