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Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison

Arthropods, basic features
Arthropods, basic features
Arachnids, basic features
Arachnids, basic features

Tarantula spider

Definition:

This article describes the effects of�a tarantula spider bite.



Poisonous Ingredient:

The venom of tarantulas found in the United States is not considered dangerous but may cause allergic reactions.



Where Found:

Tarantulas are found wild across the southern and southwestern regions of the United States, and are also�kept as pets�throughout the country.



Symptoms:

Home Treatment:

Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If patient has circulatory problems, decrease the time to prevent possible damage to the skin.



Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the spider
  • the time of the bite
  • the area of the body that was bitten


Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

The patient should be taken to an emergency room for treatment if they show signs of an allergic reaction.

If possible, bring the spider to the emergency room for identification.



What to expect at the emergency room:

The symptoms will be treated.



Expectations (prognosis):

Death in a normally healthy individual is uncommon. Recovery usually takes about a week




Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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