Do Spiders Hurt You?
WouterMany people believe that spiders hurt you. While it’s true that they can cause some pain, it’s not all that common. The venom of spiders is rarely harmful, but some are poisonous. If you have a phobia of spiders, there are things you can do to prevent the possibility of a bite.
You may have heard of the “spider-mouse” or the “spider-in-a-sleeve” story. Basically, a spider is trapped in a spider-in-a-sleeve and it stings you.
There are only a few species that have enough venom to kill an average healthy adult. However, the majority of the thousands of species that exist are not harmful. They are harmless when they bite and do not cause any serious harm.
A few species, including the black widow and the brown recluse, are venomous. The venom they release can be quite painful and cause some serious symptoms. Some symptoms of a spider bite include nausea, diaphragmatic paralysis, muscle aches, and swelling. The pain is usually not a lot worse than a bee sting.
In general, the only spiders that are venomous to humans are the black widow and the brown recluse. While both can be dangerous, the latter isn’t the most deadly.
If you have been bitten by a venomous spider, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. There are specific antivenins for each species. These can be obtained through a poison control center.
If your spider bite is infected, you will probably need more treatment. Depending on the severity of the infection, it could take weeks to heal. You should also try elevating the affected area while icing it to reduce swelling. You may want to use a cream to help with the itching.
