![]() The misdiagnosis of a white-tailed spider bite is common in the medical community, according to Geoff. “This association remains despite no significant evidence to support the involvement of spiders in necrotic ulcers,” said Geoff in a 2004 article in The Lancet, called “ Necrotic arachnidism: the mythology of a modern plague“.Īlarmingly, it isn’t just the public and media that are adhering to a false association between the white-tailed spider and necrotic ulcers – it is also occurring in modern medical practices. A recent story involving the white-tailed spider on 5 April 2017 broadcasted a misleading headline of: “Father-of-two loses legs after a white-tailed spider bite”, even though there was no evidence the spider caused the infection.Īlthough this myth was debunked by experts shortly after the articles surfaced, the public was still rattled by the possible association, and misleading headlines continued, which only perpetuated fear. ![]() In fact, referencing the two studies mentioned above, there is good evidence to suggest the opposite.ĭespite this, myths surrounding the white-tailed spider persist, and the media often fuels the fire. So, are white-tailed spiders the flesh-rotting monsters that gory internet memes and chain emails would have you believe? There is no evidence to prove this. ![]() Pain and discomfort occurred in all cases, but only 27 per cent of cases reported “severe” pain, which was classified in the study as “pain greater than a bee sting or equivalent”.Īnother study in The Medical Journal of Australia in 1989 tested and identified eight white-tailed spider bites, and the results concluded that the bite caused only local swelling, mild pain, and itchiness and either no systemic symptoms, or anxiety. ![]()
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