As the seasons change in Oklahoma, so do the increase reports of spider bites. Seasonal changes cause spiders to look for desired climates within our homes and offices.
The most common Oklahoma spiders are the brown recluse, black widow, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and tarantulas. Brown recluse and black widows being the only poisonous of the species in Oklahoma. Wolf spiders can commonly be mistaken as brown recluse and vice versa.
Signs of a bite can be redness, swelling, burning, itching, small bump or blistering. Sometimes with a black widow bite double fang marks can be visible. A brown recluse bite can present with a discoloration surrounding the bite, forming into a fluid filled blister and then sloughing off into a deep ulcer with black dying tissue.
If someone suspects they have been bitten by a spider, they should wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the area and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce symptoms. If suspecting a black widow or brown recluse spider bite, contact your primary care physician or an urgent care clinic for appropriate treatment. If a wound area appears, Yukon Wound Care and Rehabilitation has immediate openings with trained professionals to assist with management and wound healing.