Hobo Spider Bite Blamed for 8-Inch Flesh Wound

All spiders are poisonous. Their venom serves them to kill their prey and predigest the interior of the bugs they catch. There are a few spiders that are venomous with respect to humans. The hobo spider is one such arachnid.

The Winnipeg Free Press reports that a hobo spider bite has led to a huge flesh wound in an unsuspecting woman's leg. The insidious nature of this kind of spider bite rests in the fact that the bite itself is not felt. The results, at first on the cell level, are irreversible.

As soon as the venom of such a spider enters the human body, the area around the bite wound itself undergoes necrosis. The Canadian hobo spider bite victim reported that within one day she noticed an eight inch blister which eventually turned into a gaping hole in her leg.

The hobo spider may be recognized by inhabiting a funnel web that might actually give off a somewhat disheveled appearance. The Burke Museum reports that thus far, the northwestern U.S. and southwestern Canada are known to house these spiders. Like other spiders, the hobo spider likes warm, dry climes and the months of August as well as September are particularly marked for activity of this species as well as many other kinds of spiders.

What to Do In Case Of a Spider Bite

Even as spider bites are inevitable, it is important to remember that not all spiders are venomous to people, and that not each bite will result in necrosis. Some may itch, swell a bit, and even turn red; this, however, is the end of the story. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to observe a basic protocol when dealing with a spider bite, especially if the bite victim is a child.

1. Trap the spider
If you can find the spider, it is a good idea to trap it in a glass or other container. Do not kill it! Identifying the spider may save your or your child's life.

2. Gently squeeze the wound to allow some blood to escape
Bleeding out the venom is a good idea, even if the spider is not a dangerous one.

3. Clean the wound
Treat the wound like you would any other puncture wound: wash it with antibacterial soap, pat it dry, and apply antiseptics.

4. Observe the wound site
Keep an eye on the bite site. If the spider bite does not swell and you notice no lesions within 24 hours, the odds are good that your tissues or nervous system were not affected by the spider bite. Set the spider free, well away from your home, and practice more caution around your home with respect to avoiding spider bites.

5. Seek out medical attention as needed
If within a short period of time you notice swelling of the area, discoloration of the skin, perspire profusely, feel lightheaded, or experience severe itchiness, it is time to seek out medical attention. Take the spider with you for possible venom identification.

Sources:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=a8189369-ad79-4499-b35a-9c5088eccf7b
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/spidermyth/myths/hobo.html