Two-thirds of bite victims found the spiders nestled in bedclothes, towels, and clothing. If you do get bitten by a white-tailed spider, the symptoms are similar to those of a bee sting: an immediate burning sensation in the local area, followed by mild swelling and an itchy red mark. Geoff and co-author Michael Gray — a spider expert at the Australian Museum — concluded in their study that the symptoms of a white-tailed spider bite follows three patterns: pain only, pain and a red mark lasting less than 24 hours, or pain and an irritating red lesion lasting from days.
Eighty-three per cent of the spider bites resulted in a red mark. Out of the cases in the study, none resulted in necrotic ulcers. Another study in The Medical Journal of Australia in tested and identified eight white-tailed spider bites, and the results concluded that the bite caused only local swelling, mild pain, and itchiness and either no systemic symptoms, or anxiety.
So, are white-tailed spiders the flesh-rotting monsters that gory internet memes and chain emails would have you believe? There is no evidence to prove this.
In fact, referencing the two studies mentioned above, there is good evidence to suggest the opposite. Despite this, myths surrounding the white-tailed spider persist, and the media often fuels the fire. Although this myth was debunked by experts shortly after the articles surfaced, the public was still rattled by the possible association, and misleading headlines continued, which only perpetuated fear.
The misdiagnosis of a white-tailed spider bite is common in the medical community, according to Geoff. In all nine of the cases, the researchers found the patients had been misdiagnosed. White-tailed spider bites were not responsible for any of the infections. The remaining question is, how did these myths endure over the past 20 years, despite the obvious lack of evidence?
The false case studies date all the way back to , when an Australian patient was diagnosed with necrotic arachnidism after developing severe ulceration. This, like all other cases, was a misdiagnosis. However, the establishment of spider phobia in the media and now even in some GPs goes well beyond a few false case studies. This venom has a component that destroys red blood cells and kills the surrounding tissue in dogs. Skip to content Are white tail spiders dangerous to dogs?
What happens if a white tail bites a dog? Are white tails dangerous? Are spiders poisonous to dogs? What are white tail spiders attracted to?
What do you do if you find a white tail spider? How do you tell if my dog has been bitten by a spider? He lists the following as possible symptoms of spider bites on dogs : Fever. Muscle or joint pain. Weak pulse. Do white-tail spiders cause necrosis?
Seek advice from your local council or a professional pest control operator on how to eliminate the white tailed spider from your home.
The white tailed spider is found in homes throughout Australia. It tends to be more active during summer. Favourite hiding spots include:. Bites can occur anywhere on the body, but most often on arms and legs.
The symptoms of a white tailed spider bite can include:. Always try to keep the spider for identification purposes if you have been bitten.
First aid suggestions to treat a white tailed spider bite include:. Necrotising arachnidism is a type of skin inflammation and ulceration that is caused by the bite of some spiders. Occasionally, the reaction is so severe that the person loses large amounts of skin and needs extensive skin grafts. The white tailed spider and the black house spider, also found in Australia, have both been linked to necrotising arachnidism.
However, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in examined confirmed cases of white tailed spider bites and found that none had caused necrotising arachnidism. The study found most bites happened indoors, in warmer months and at night. In two thirds of cases, the spider was caught in bedclothes, towels or clothing. Most bites were painful, with some redness and itching. Clinical Toxinology Resource.
Australian white tailed spiders. Australian Museum. Spider facts updated 30 October White-tailed spider updated 30 October Spider bites — Assessment and management. Australian Family Physician ; Tibballs J. Spider bites — An update on management. Medicine Today ; 5: Skip to content. Symptoms of a white-tail spider bite A bite from a white-tail spider usually results in temporary symptoms at the site of the bite. This can include: Irritation or a red mark on the skin including visible puncture marks ; Pain or discomfort that is generally mild-to-moderate in severity; Swelling ; and Itchiness either immediately or several days later.
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