The Bite

Many people believe that a tarantula bite can inflict death upon its victim. To date there is no scientific evidence that shows a specie of tarantula that posses lethal venom. All spiders are considered venomous because they posses a pair of poison glands. The poison glands in a tarantula are quite small and lie inside the jaws. Tarantula venom is typically weak to a warm blooded mammals and the strength and type varies between species. The venom is chemical mixture of many different toxins and digestive enzymes. The effect on a healthy human could range from a rash to temporary symptoms of paralysis to the affected area and myonecrosis; localized death of muscle cell fibers. The true danger is if the victim is allergic to that type of tarantula venom, then serious complications can occur. A tremendous allergic reaction could occur and have a harmful effect.

Reactions to venom will vary from person to person. The amount of venom injected, the size of the person, general health of the victim, and the toxicity of the venom all play a key roll in the effect's of the bite.

The wound is usually painful, due to the mechanical effect of the bite and the pain factor is different depending upon the size of the fangs and how deeply they penetrate the skin. As long as circulation remains stable and no symptoms appear, simple disinfection of the bite should be sufficient. If problems do occur then medical attention should be sought. Most likely a tetanus injection will be given and symptomatically treated. No anti - tarantula venom exists as this is unnecessary.

Common symptoms: Localized pain, redness, swelling and skin temperature over the bite area tends to be warmer.

Signs of infection: The wound becomes red and warm to the touch, red streaks appear near the bite, discharge from the wound, fever or chills, body aches and bumps in the armpits or groin.

Signs of allergic reactions: Headache, anxiety, restlessness, rash or hives, sneezing, coughing and/or wheezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chest and/or throat tightness.

If you have an allergic reaction, there is a 60% chance of a similar or worse reaction if bitten again.

Never apply a tourniquet!

Do not suck out venom from wound!

If someone is allergic to bee or wasp stings, it doesn't mean that they will automatically have an adverse reaction from tarantula venom.

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to a specific substance, called an allergen that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected. Many allergic reactions are mild and can be treated at home, while others can be severe and life-threatening. They often occur more frequently in people with a family history of allergies.

Sources:

Pathogenesis of skeletal muscle necrosis induced by tarantula venom, Ownby CL and Odell GV, Jun 1983

Spider Bite, Wikipedia, August 27, 2006: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_bite

tarantula Spider, Eric Perez, M.D., February 13, 2006: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002855.htm

Spider Envenomations, tarantula, Scott D Fell, DO, FAAEM, Coauthor: Christina L Kukula, DO, November 16, 2005: http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/

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