APPENDIX: ARTHROPOD ENVENOMIZATION REACTIONS AND TREATMENT

The material presented in this appendix was prepared by Lt Col John C. Moseley, USAF, MC, Dermatologist, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas.

[BLACK WIDOW SPIDER]

REACTIONS

IMMEDIATE: Pinprick sensation from the bite

LOCAL: Dull numbing pain; two red puncture marks at bite site. Pain peaks at 1-3 hours and persists 12-48 hours

REGIONAL:

1. Severe muscular pain and spasm 2. Rigid boardlike abdomen 3. Tightness in chest and pain on inspiration

GENERAL:

1. Rigidity and spasm of all large muscle groups; excruciating abdominal pain 2. Convulsions, paralysis 3. Shock