Loxoscelism: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Loxoscelism | |||
| image = [[File:Necrotic_leg_wound.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = A necrotic wound caused by a [[brown recluse spider]] bite | |||
| field = [[Toxicology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Necrosis]], [[pain]], [[fever]], [[chills]], [[rash]] | |||
| complications = [[Renal failure]], [[sepsis]], [[hemolysis]] | |||
| onset = 2 to 8 hours after bite | |||
| duration = Weeks to months | |||
| causes = [[Brown recluse spider]] bite | |||
| risks = Living in areas where [[Loxosceles]] spiders are common | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, [[history of present illness|history]] | |||
| differential = [[Cellulitis]], [[pyoderma gangrenosum]], [[erythema migrans]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of [[Loxosceles]] spiders, use of [[insect repellent]] | |||
| treatment = [[Wound care]], [[pain management]], [[antibiotics]] if infected | |||
| medication = [[Analgesics]], [[antihistamines]], [[corticosteroids]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment, but can be severe | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Loxoscelism_-_09.png|Loxoscelism|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Loxoscelism''' is a condition resulting from the bite of a member of the ''[[Loxosceles]]'' genus of spiders (also known as recluse spiders or brown spiders). The condition can be divided into two forms: cutaneous loxoscelism and systemic loxoscelism. | '''Loxoscelism''' is a condition resulting from the bite of a member of the ''[[Loxosceles]]'' genus of spiders (also known as recluse spiders or brown spiders). The condition can be divided into two forms: cutaneous loxoscelism and systemic loxoscelism. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of '''loxoscelism''' can vary depending on the form of the condition. | The symptoms of '''loxoscelism''' can vary depending on the form of the condition. | ||
=== Cutaneous Loxoscelism === | === Cutaneous Loxoscelism === | ||
Cutaneous loxoscelism is the most common form of the condition. Symptoms typically begin within 2 to 8 hours of the spider bite and can include: | Cutaneous loxoscelism is the most common form of the condition. Symptoms typically begin within 2 to 8 hours of the spider bite and can include: | ||
* A small white blister at the site of the bite | * A small white blister at the site of the bite | ||
* Redness, swelling, and tenderness around the bite | * Redness, swelling, and tenderness around the bite | ||
* Development of a necrotic skin lesion | * Development of a necrotic skin lesion | ||
=== Systemic Loxoscelism === | === Systemic Loxoscelism === | ||
Systemic loxoscelism is less common but more severe. Symptoms can include: | Systemic loxoscelism is less common but more severe. Symptoms can include: | ||
* Fever and chills | * Fever and chills | ||
* Rash | * Rash | ||
| Line 22: | Line 35: | ||
* Joint pain | * Joint pain | ||
* Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) | * Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of '''loxoscelism''' is typically based on the clinical presentation and a history of a spider bite. However, it can be difficult to confirm as other conditions can cause similar symptoms and spider bites are often not witnessed. | Diagnosis of '''loxoscelism''' is typically based on the clinical presentation and a history of a spider bite. However, it can be difficult to confirm as other conditions can cause similar symptoms and spider bites are often not witnessed. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for '''loxoscelism''' is primarily supportive. This can include: | Treatment for '''loxoscelism''' is primarily supportive. This can include: | ||
* Pain relief | * Pain relief | ||
* Wound care for any skin lesions | * Wound care for any skin lesions | ||
* Treatment of any secondary infections | * Treatment of any secondary infections | ||
In severe cases of systemic loxoscelism, hospitalization may be required. | In severe cases of systemic loxoscelism, hospitalization may be required. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of '''loxoscelism''' involves avoiding contact with ''[[Loxosceles]]'' spiders. This can include: | Prevention of '''loxoscelism''' involves avoiding contact with ''[[Loxosceles]]'' spiders. This can include: | ||
* Wearing gloves when handling firewood or other items where spiders may be hiding | * Wearing gloves when handling firewood or other items where spiders may be hiding | ||
* Shaking out shoes and clothing before wearing | * Shaking out shoes and clothing before wearing | ||
* Regularly cleaning and decluttering to reduce potential hiding spots for spiders | * Regularly cleaning and decluttering to reduce potential hiding spots for spiders | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Spider bite]] | * [[Spider bite]] | ||
* [[Necrosis]] | * [[Necrosis]] | ||
* [[Hemolysis]] | * [[Hemolysis]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Toxicology]] | [[Category:Toxicology]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:03, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Loxoscelism | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Necrosis, pain, fever, chills, rash |
| Complications | Renal failure, sepsis, hemolysis |
| Onset | 2 to 8 hours after bite |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Brown recluse spider bite |
| Risks | Living in areas where Loxosceles spiders are common |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, history |
| Differential diagnosis | Cellulitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema migrans |
| Prevention | Avoidance of Loxosceles spiders, use of insect repellent |
| Treatment | Wound care, pain management, antibiotics if infected |
| Medication | Analgesics, antihistamines, corticosteroids |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment, but can be severe |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Loxoscelism is a condition resulting from the bite of a member of the Loxosceles genus of spiders (also known as recluse spiders or brown spiders). The condition can be divided into two forms: cutaneous loxoscelism and systemic loxoscelism.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of loxoscelism can vary depending on the form of the condition.
Cutaneous Loxoscelism[edit]
Cutaneous loxoscelism is the most common form of the condition. Symptoms typically begin within 2 to 8 hours of the spider bite and can include:
- A small white blister at the site of the bite
- Redness, swelling, and tenderness around the bite
- Development of a necrotic skin lesion
Systemic Loxoscelism[edit]
Systemic loxoscelism is less common but more severe. Symptoms can include:
- Fever and chills
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
- Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of loxoscelism is typically based on the clinical presentation and a history of a spider bite. However, it can be difficult to confirm as other conditions can cause similar symptoms and spider bites are often not witnessed.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for loxoscelism is primarily supportive. This can include:
- Pain relief
- Wound care for any skin lesions
- Treatment of any secondary infections
In severe cases of systemic loxoscelism, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of loxoscelism involves avoiding contact with Loxosceles spiders. This can include:
- Wearing gloves when handling firewood or other items where spiders may be hiding
- Shaking out shoes and clothing before wearing
- Regularly cleaning and decluttering to reduce potential hiding spots for spiders
