BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER TOXICITY

Course overview

IN THE UNITED STATES, LOXOSCELES RECLUSA OR BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS ARE FOUND MOSTLY IN THE SOUTH, WEST, AND MIDWEST AREAS. THEY ARE USUALLY IN DARK AREAS SUCH AS UNDER ROCKS, IN THE BARK OF DEAD TREES, ATTICS, BASEMENTS, CUPBOARDS, DRAWERS, BOXES, BEDSHEETS, OR SIMILAR LOCATIONS. DERMONECROTIC ARACHNIDISM IS THE LOCAL TISSUE INJURY THAT RESULTS FROM BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER ENVENOMATION, WHILE LOXOSCELISM DESCRIBES THE SYSTEMIC SYNDROME CAUSED BY ENVENOMATION. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PRESENTATION OF THE BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER BIITEAND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN ITS MANAGEMENT.