• The brown recluse spider may have a violin mark on its back.  It is often found in the south and midwest, preferring dark, well covered areas.  It can cause a severe local reaction.  In extreme cases, severe generalized illnesses such as kidney failure have occurred.

• Initial symptoms may include:

1. None
2. Mild stinging
3. Occasional severe pain

• Later (hours to days):

1. Area forms enlarging deep ulcer
2. Fever in some individuals
3. Rash in some individuals

• Examination:

- Necrotic ulcer (means tissue in skin and below is significantly injured)

• If mild (determined by a physician), no treatment is necessary.
• Expanding/necrotic lesions

1. Prednisone
2. Surgical debridement
3. Antivenom and dapsone may help, although they are currently considered purely experimental.

• See your primary care physician or a dermatologist as soon as possible.