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Whilst spider bites are generally considered harmless, apart from those inflicted by the legendary Black Widow and Brown Recluse variety, for some people they can cause an allergic reaction, which ranges in severity from mild irritation to fatality unless immediate medical assistance and treatment is sought. Unfortunately, for many of the allergy sufferers this will not become apparent until they have been bitten. Furthermore, the problem may be exacerbated by the fact that there are instances where the allergy symptoms may not reveal themselves for several hours. Therefore, it is important that, particularly with children, one should be aware of the possible consequences and telling signs of a spider bite allergy.

In the milder form of allergy to spider bites the symptoms may be limited to skin irritation and itchiness, which in the majority of instances are not a threatening condition and will soon disappear. If you are concerned about these types of bites they normally respond to the wound being cleansed to avoid infection or a calming lotion being applied to reduce the irritation. Medication such as Benedryl taken relatively quickly after the bite has occurred can also be of help in protecting against a possible reaction.

However, with some allergies the reaction becomes more severe. The person who is bitten may suffer from hives or skin reddening around the bite and possibly experience bouts of nausea, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It is also possible that they will become confused and feel light headed.

In its most dangerous, though fortunately least common form, a severe allergic reaction to the bite, known as anaphylaxis, can occur. This condition can be life threatening and, if immediate emergency medical assistance is not summonsed, it could prove fatal for the person who has been bitten. The most pronounced symptons of anaphylaxis, which should never be ignored, include the following: -

1 Unusual swelling of the soles of the feet or palms, tongue, eyelids, lips or ears following a bite.

2 Breathing difficulties, including coughing and wheezing or complaining of the mouth being full.

4 - Shock the sufferer shows the classic symptoms of shock, which means that their body is having difficulty in maintaining blood circulation to vital organs.

Despite the general harmlessness of most species of spiders, for those who have an allergic reaction, their bites can cause concern and, in extreme cases become lethal. It is therefore important to look for the allergy symptoms if you know that someone has been bitten and, at the first indication of the allergy developing,make sure that you seek immediate medical attention by calling the emergency services.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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