Do White Tip Spiders Cause Necrotising Arachnidism?
WouterWhite tip spiders are one of the most common types of spiders in Australia. They are medium sized spiders, usually grey to black in color, and have an off-white tip at the end of their abdomen. This is where their name comes from. Their webs are typically made in the shade, containing a thickly spun cone. The spider’s bite is often described as painful, but it is rarely a serious infection.
While it is commonly believed that white-tailed spiders cause necrotising arachnidism, which results in an ulcer, there is no scientific evidence to support this. In fact, many people who claim they have been bitten by a spider are misdiagnosed.
If you have been bitten by a spider, you may have noticed redness and swelling, as well as pain and nausea. These symptoms are not uncommon, and they can occur within 24 hours of a bite. However, the exact nature of the infection and the symptoms vary greatly.
Necrotizing arachnidism occurs when an infection causes an inflammatory reaction that destroys the tissues. There are a few types of arachnids that can cause necrotising arachnidism, including brown recluse and wolf spiders. Some species are more likely to cause necrotizing arachnidism than others.
A recent study by Dr Geoff Isbister and Mr Matthew Gray examined the medical records of 130 patients who had been bitten by a white-tailed spider. The study did not identify the specific species of the spider involved, but the venom was believed to have bacteria in it, which could cause an ulcer.
