Treating spider bites can be fraught with difficulties. Many can create long lasting effects. Some can even be fatal. However, homeopathic treatment of spider bites is excellent. In fact, many GPs and hospitals refer the bad spider bites to homeopaths.
In Western Australia, the common problematic spider bites can be from the red back spider (Latrodectus hasselti) and the white tail spider (Lampona cylindrata). In the New South Wales, the funnel web spider (Atrax robustus) is more problematic, but the white tail spider is found across Australia.
Here is a picture of the funnel web spider.
Of these, only the funnel web spider bite and the white tail spider bite is potentially fatal. The red back spider bite is rarely fatal, even when untreated.
Here is a picture of the white tail spider.
Symptoms of a white tail spider bite can include:
- irritation or pain at the site of the bite
- a burning sensation at the site
- a small lump
- swelling
- discolouration of the skin
- nausea and vomiting
- ulceration
- in severe (and rare) cases, the skin can break down
Here is a picture of the red back spider.
Symptoms of the red back spider can include:
- immediate pain at the site or of the whole area
- sweating starting on the affected part but then spreading
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- fever
- hypertension
- paralysis in severe but rare cases
Medical treatment may include any of the following:
- analgaesics
- spider antivenom (not suitable for pregnant women)
- antibiotics
- corticosteroids
- hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- surgery
However, none of these measures address the cause of the problem. They are simply treating the effect. So it is common for some symptoms to remain for many months.
What is important to remember is that your reaction to a spider bite will depend upon how healthy your immune system is. The more healthy it is, the less of a problem any spider bite, even the poisonous ones, will be. Infants are at greater risk as they have no immune system.
What can you do in the early stages of a spider bite? Two great bush remedies are urine and any vinegar. Both can be very effective at stopping symptoms advancing, and allowing your body’s inherent healing ability to swing into action.
However, the homeopathic treatment of spider bites can be so effective, you do not need to take extreme measures to avoid any contact with spiders. Spiders are part of our environment. And thanks to homeopathy, bites can be easily treated. If you are a proficient homeopathic home prescriber, you may have the necessary remedies to treat the bite yourself. But be aware that home prescribing is inherently limited, so if the symptoms are not clearing up, then seek help from a professional homeopath.