Poison Information Network

 

WHAT ABOUT BITES & STINGS????

 

SPIDERS
Spiders

 

About 80% of all spiders are poisonous - but fortunately, only a few spiders that are able to bite humans have extremely toxic venom.  The most common reaction from a spider bite amounts to some swelling and skin irritation.

 

The female Black Widow spider is the best-known poisonous spider.  She is identified by her glossy black body and a red hourglass-shaped mark on her abdomen.  Symptoms of her bite are: an initial sharp pinprick, progressing to dull numbing pain in the injured body part; cramping in the stomach, shoulders, back and chest may develop, along with restlessness, later.  Nausea, vomiting, headache and hypertension (high blood pressure) may also occur.

 

FIRST AID:

 

  1. Apply a cold compress to the site of the bite.
  2. Call the Poison Center, or take the victim to a medical facility.

 

The Brown Recluse Spider is not as poisonous as the Black Widow, but still can pose a nasty problem.  The spider is golden brown with a fiddle-shaped pattern on their head region. This spider is not hairy and the fiddle pattern is often shiny. Symptoms from a Brown Recluse's bite may include slight pain and a wound that develops into a "BULLSEYE" impression.  Flu-like symptoms are common.  Severe ulceration can develop in the wound site.

 

FIRST AID:

 

  • Wash the bite area well.
  • Call the Poison Center, or take the victim to a medical facility.

 

 

TICKS         Ticks

 

In Michigan, bites from ticks may lead to Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  Tick bites occur most commonly from April to October.  From 3 to 10 days after the tick attaches to its victim, symptoms appear: sudden headache, chills, high fever, as well as rash on the wrists, ankles, palms and soles.  More severe symptoms of Lyme disease may appear weeks, months and perhaps years after a tick bite.  These symptoms may include severe headaches, arthritis, heart or nervous system abnormalities.

 

FIRST AID:

 

  • Use a tweezers to grasp the tick and pull outward, gently, in a line parallel to the skin surface.  DO NOT put gasoline or hot objects like matches on the tick to remove it.
  • After removing the tick, clean the area well with an antiseptic.
  • Check closely to see that the entire tick has been removed; if part of the tick remains embedded, call a doctor right away.
  • Call a doctor if any of the above symptoms develop.

 

 

SNAKES

 
Michigan has only one native poisonous snake, the Massasauga Rattlesnake.  But some Michigan households have pet snakes, especially exotic ones - and these may be more poisonous than the Massasauga.

Not all snakebites result in injection of venom; but if venom is injected, symptoms may start rapidly and include pain, discoloration at the bite site, and progressive swelling around the injured area. Various other symptoms may occur, depending on the type of snake.

 Snakes

 

FIRST AID:

 

  1. Stay calm and reassure the victim
  2. Keep the victim warm
  3. Keep the bitten part from moving
  4. If possible, without risking another bite, capture the snake for positive identification
  5. Call the Poison Center or move the victim to a medical facility

 

DO NOT

 

  • Use ice or cold packs
  • Cut the wound or use suction
  • Use tourniquet or constriction band
  • Give alcohol or any drugs
BEES

 

Bees account for more deaths in the United States than all other venomous creatures combined. The usual reaction to a bee sting is a local one consisting of redness, itching, swelling, and pain lasting a few hours.
Bees A more serious problem can arise if a sensitive person is stung or when a person receives many stings at once. Allergic reaction can be severe with symptoms including: lumpy welts (hives) over the body, itching on palms and feet, headache, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing.

 

FIRST AID:

 

  1. Gently scrape out the stinger with your finger nail or with a card. DO NOT SQUEEZE OR PULL TO REMOVE THE STINGER.
  2. Wash area with soapy water
  3. Use a cold compress at the sting site
  4. Antihistamines may be helpful for minor symptoms
  5. SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY FOR SEVERE REACTIONS

 

WARM BLOODED ANIMALS

 

Bites from domestic animals like dogs and cats and rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, gerbils, hamsters, rats and mice are considered a medical problem and NOT A POISONING!

Bites from wild animals are more likely to harbor rabies. These animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats are a real medical concern.

 

FIRST AID

 

  1. Cleanse the wound well with soap and water
  2. Know the approximate date of the patient's last tetanus immunization as all bite wounds could be contaminated with tetanus spores
  3. Confine the animal for observation if possible
  4. Get medical attention from your own doctor or go to your local emergency room

 

Poison Crisis Line - 1-800-222-1222