What Are The Symptoms Of Spider Bites?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- I do not want to ruin your day, but did you know that there are 30,000 species of spiders and there are more than 50,000 exposures each year in the United States.

The most common spiders that attack are recluse spiders.  Most of these bites occur in the early morning wherever bed linen, bed clothes, or other garments squeeze the female spider between fabric and the victim's skin.  These bites cluster and they can lead to ulcers, and they can take weeks to heal.

The black widow spider, often depicted in the movies as a killer, actually rarely kills, but can lead to muscle spasm, rigidity, and high blood pressure.  Fever and other problems are associated with it.  Patients often need hospitalization and monitoring.

Overall, most spider bites are inflicted by spiders of minor medical importance and occur during outdoor activities.