|
|
|
Spider Bites
October 8, 2007
|
Biting bugs and critters are nearly impossible to ignore in Southwest Florida. But
spiders in particular can be cause for concern. Richard Davis lives on Pine Island
and spends many hours taking care of his lush tropical landscaping. Recently he
came in contact with a not so friendly creature.
“I’m suspecting that somewhere working in the yard, clearing back debris I came
in contact with one or two spiders,” said Davis.
In a matter of hours he noticed that his bug bites were much more than an annoyance.
“The bite I think occurred on Saturday and I woke up Sunday morning with my arm
feeling very painful and swollen,” he said.
Physicians say many times people don’t know they’ve become the latest victim of
an eight legged creature. Dr. Salvatore Lacagnina is the Medical Director of Lee
Physician Group. He said he’s seen Davis’ scenario play out with many other patients.
“Often times you get bit by things and you don’t even realize what bit you. If its 24 hours and it’s not clearing up with the typical home remedies you should either
see your own physician or go into one of the urgent care centers,” said Lacagnina.
Most serious spider bites damage skin tissue then quickly expands and become painful.
Physicians say if you ignore those symptoms it could land you in the operating room.
Dr. Lacagnina says, “As the wounds progress they will not only involve the skin
but they’ll get deeper into the muscle tissue and at that point you’re usually looking
at some sort of surgical approach to cleaning it up.
“ Fortunately Richard’s slow response didn’t lead to surgery but he says he now knows to take quicker action if a spider sinks its’ teeth in him again.
Davis says, “If I look back I should have gone that very next Monday and saved myself
a lot of pain and discomfort.”
Physicians say you should watch out for spiders year-around in Florida. One of Southwest
Florida’s most dangerous is the Brown Recluse Spider. Soap and water should always
be the first step after an insect or spider bite. Cold compresses are effective
to help alleviate swelling and redness.
|
|
|
|
