Spiders in dermatology

Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2014 Sep;33(3):123-7. doi: 10.12788/j.sder.0107.

Abstract

Spider bites represent an unusual and potentially over-represented clinical diagnosis. Despite a common fear of spiders, known as arachnophobia, current knowledge suggests that only a small number of families within the order Araneae are medically relevant. Moreover, most cutaneous spider reactions, including both evenomations and physical trauma, produce mild, local symptoms which may be managed with supportive care alone. The differential diagnosis for spider bites may be broad, especially if the offending arachnid is not seen or found. We describe a series of spiders relevant to the dermatologist in the United States.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brown Recluse Spider / anatomy & histology
  • Brown Recluse Spider / classification
  • Brown Recluse Spider / pathogenicity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Necrosis
  • Skin / pathology
  • Spider Bites / complications
  • Spider Bites / diagnosis*
  • Spider Bites / therapy
  • Spiders / anatomy & histology*
  • Spiders / classification
  • Spiders / pathogenicity