injuries and poisoning
Spider Bites
Treatment of Spider Bites
Cleaning the wound and applying ice For widow spider bites, drugs to relieve pain and muscle spasms and often antivenom For brown spider bites, wound care and sometimes surgical wound repair First-aidmeasures for a spider bite include cleaning the wound, applying ice (for example, an ice cube or crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrapped in a thin cloth because ice should not be applied directly on the skin) to the bite to reduce pain, and, if the bite is on an extremity, elevating the wound site. For awidow spider bite,muscle pain and spasms can be relieved with benzodiazepines (which sedate and may help relax muscles) and opioids (analgesics). Antivenom is given for severe and sometimes for moderate symptoms such as muscle cramping or other bodywide symptoms. Hospitalization is usually required for people younger than 16 or older than 60 and for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or severe symptoms. Many people falsely assume that they were bitten by a spider when they really have another disorder, such as a skin infection. Mostbrown spider bitesheal without complications. Sores should be cleaned daily with apovidone-iodinesolution and soaked 3 times a day in sterile salt water (saline). Moderately to severely damaged wounds may require surgical procedures. 