Spider Bite: Brown Recluse Spider Bite (cont.)
Medical Author:
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEPDr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Brown Recluse Spider Bite Medical TreatmentAfter initial evaluation, the doctor may provide the following treatment:
There is no antivenom available in the United States to counteract the poisonous venom of the brown recluse spider. Controversial therapies include steroids and the drug dapsone (Avlosulfon). These are often reserved for people with severe systemic disease (such as certain types of anemia, blood clotting problems, and kidney failure). The therapies have little proven benefit. The patient will need to follow-up with a doctor because most wounds will need to be checked daily for at least three to four days. Necrotic lesions will need close follow-up. The doctor may carefully remove dead tissue in necrotic areas to reduce the chance of developing secondary bacterial infections. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Spider Bite: Brown Recluse Spider Bite
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsBrown Recluse Spider Bite - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the treatment for your brown recluse spider bite? Brown Recluse Spider Bite - ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was your experience with brown recluse spider bite? Brown Recluse Spider Bite - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your brown recluse spider bite? |
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Spider Envenomations: Brown Recluse »
In the United States, reports of severe envenomations by brown spiders began to appear in the late 1800s, and today, in endemic areas, brown spiders continue to be of significant clinical concern.
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