In Mexico, the most common spiders encountered are those known as “patuda,” meaning long-legged spiders, which belong to the Pholcidae family. These are the most common and harmless; in fact, they use their webs to catch flies and mosquitoes, as explained by an expert on these species.
On the other hand, there are two very dangerous species to be wary of: the aforementioned “black widow” and “violinist” spiders.
Description of this species:
They can be identified by their appearance: a shiny black body with a reddish-brown hourglass shape. Their highly toxic venom, released when they bite, can cause the following symptoms:
It causes chest pain if the bite is on the upper abdomen and abdominal pain if it is on the lower abdomen.
Other symptoms may include headache, sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, numbness, etc. The question is how to proceed if we are bitten by one of these species:
What to do if a black widow spider bites you?
First, clean the affected area with soap and water.
Then apply some ice to the bite, preferably wrapped in a clean cloth or towel. Apply it for about 10 minutes, rest for a few minutes, and then reapply the ice.
Above all, keep the injured area immobile; this is the only way to prevent the toxin from spreading throughout the body.
Finally, loosen anything that might cause pressure, such as rings.
What to do if a brown recluse spider bites you?
The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider, has a distinctive violin-shaped head and measures between 1.8 and 3 centimeters in length.
The bite it inflicts can cause skin sores and, in severe cases, even death.
The following urgent measures should be taken:
First, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Next, apply cold compresses.
Finally, elevate the affected area.
After taking these steps, it is essential to identify the type of spider that bit you. At the same time, go to a health center immediately to receive the best treatment.
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