A case of Spider bite localized to the eyelid

Clinical aspects, diagnosis and management of Loxosceles spider envenomation: literature and case review

The genus Loxosceles comprises 140 species widely distributed around the world. These spiders are nocturnal, sedentary and remarkably nonaggressive, although they cause accidents in humans with wide degrees of severity, generating signs and symptoms that define the clinical condition known as loxoscelism. Its local signs and symptoms were first reported in 1872, and over the years, a large medical literature has been accumulated; unfortunately, it is not always trustworthy. Assessing the reliability of such information, we reviewed 120 case reports of loxoscelism published in 84 articles over the past 20 years. This search allowed us to gather information on the clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of loxoscelism, showing that the severity of these accidents has multiple degrees and that it is influenced by many factors. Thus, coupled with epidemiological and species occurrence information, this study can be a useful tool for the clinical practice of loxoscelism. It may support and provide a multidisciplinary view that should be taken into consideration when establishing the therapeutic approach in cases of Loxosceles envenomation.

Distribution and medical aspects of Loxosceles rufescens, one of the most invasive spiders of the world (Araneae: Sicariidae)

Loxosceles rufescens is a circum-Mediterranean spider species, potentially harmful to humans. Its native area covers the Mediterranean Basin and Near East. Easily spread with transported goods, it is meanwhile an alien and invasive species to nearly all other continents and many islands. This species occurs in semi-arid steppe-like habitats, typically under stones and in cavities, which enables it to settle inside buildings when invading the synanthropic environment. This review analyses the literature of L. rufescens bites to humans (38 publications) of which only 11 publications refer to 12 verified spider bites (11% of the reported bites). Two published allegedly deadly spider bites (Thailand 2014 and Italy 2016) involve non-verified spider bites and are thus not reliable. The symptoms and therapy of these 11 verified bites are described: only five cases showed moderate systemic effects, nine cases developed necrosis, four cases needed surgical debridement, all cases healed without complications within a few weeks. In conclusion, L. rufescens is a spider species globally spread by human activity, it rarely bites humans and the bites are less harmful than often described. There is no known fatal issue.

Reconstructive considerations following a necrotic spider bite on the face: A case report

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Necrotic spider bites in the facial region can result in extensive soft tissue defects.

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Healing by secondary intention is slow in necrotic spider bite lesions on the face.

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19-year-old female with suspected recluse spider bite on her face while sleeping.

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Single-stage reconstruction with a trimmed FTSG resulted in high patient satisfaction.

Introduction

Spider bites as the cause of necrotic skin and soft tissue lesions occur very rarely in Central and Northern Europe. Recluse spiders, distributed almost worldwide, are one of two genera of spiders with confirmed capability of causing necrotic lesions. In the facial region, the resulting defects represent a potential reconstructive challenge, especially in younger patients.

Methods

This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria.

Presentation of case

We describe a case of a 19-year-old female with a suspected bite from a recluse spider sustained during a recreational trip to Guatemala. She was bitten on the right upper aspect of the nose, and within a week developed a large necrotic lesion extending to the medial canthus. Following her return to Denmark the defect was reconstructed with a trimmed full-thickness skin graft. An initially planned second-stage reconstructive procedure was cancelled, as the patient was satisfied with the primary result.

Discussion

Most aspects of the extended reconstructive ladder were evaluated before selecting the optimal reconstruction for this patient. In younger patients, reconstructive surgery requires special considerations, primarily due to age-related limitations combined with generally high expectations to the aesthetic outcome.

Conclusion

In the few reported cases of necrotic spider bites in the facial region, active reconstructive measures have resulted in the best outcomes. Tissue expansion of local or regional skin may have a potential role, but in certain patients, simple reconstructive solutions will provide an aesthetically satisfactory result without requiring extensive or multi-stage surgeries, as demonstrated in this case.

Animal-inflicted ocular and adnexal injuries in children: A systematic review

Eye injury remains the leading cause of monocular blindness in children despite 90% of injuries being potentially preventable. Children interact with animals in a variety of situations, and the associated dangers may be underestimated. Animals are capable of causing ocular and adnexal injuries that are cosmetically and visually devastating. We examine the current literature regarding the nature and severity of animal-inflicted ocular and adnexal injuries in children.