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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Spider bites are uncommon. Often, people mistake a skin infection or a bite by another insect as a spider bite.

Only a few spiders have fangs strong enough to pierce your skin and enough venom to cause a reaction. In the U.S., these include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Even these types of spiders tend to bite only when threatened.

Spider bites are rarely lethal. Treating the site of the spider bite is generally all that's necessary. In a few cases, symptoms may be severe and widespread enough to require antivenom treatment and hospitalization.

References
  1. Spider bites. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec21/ch325/ch325k.html. Accessed June 29, 2010.
  2. Vetter RS, et al. Approach to the patient with a suspected spider bite: An overview. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
  3. OSHA fact sheet: Black widow spider. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. U.S. Department of Labor. http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/black_widow_spider.pdf. Accessed June 28, 2010.
  4. Vetter RS, et al. Bites of widow spiders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
  5. Extension fact sheet: Black widow spider. The Ohio State University Extension. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2061A.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
  6. OSHA fact sheet: Brown recluse spider. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. U.S. Department of Labor. http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/brown_recluse_spider.pdf. Accessed June 28, 2010.
  7. Vetter RS, et al. Bites of recluse spiders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
  8. Tetanus vaccine questions and answers. Immunization Action Coalition. http://www.vaccineinformation.org/tetanus/qandavax.asp. Accessed June 28, 2010.
DS01191 Oct. 8, 2010

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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