Wolf spider envenomation

Wilderness Environ Med. 2012 Mar;23(1):49-50. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2011.11.010.

Abstract

Although wolf spider venom has been implicated in necrotic arachnidism without acceptably documented verification, limited, prospectively collected data demonstrate a lack of cutaneous necrosis. The infrequent nature of exposure and inherent difficulty in confirming wolf spider bites in humans makes it challenging to study such envenomations. We present the case of a 20 year-old man with confirmed exposure to the wolf spider who developed cutaneous erythema with ulceration following the bite. There was no evidence of skin necrosis. He was treated with aggressive wound care and systemic antibiotics for wound infection, with subsequent resolution of symptoms. This case adds to the limited knowledge regarding wolf spider envenomations and describes the clinical effects and management of wolf spider envenomation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Erythema / etiology*
  • Erythema / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology*
  • Skin Ulcer / therapy
  • Spider Bites / complications*
  • Spider Bites / therapy*
  • Spider Venoms / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Spider Venoms