VIOLIN

Violin spiders are found all over South Africa. They are normally brownish with dark markings on their bodies, as well as a characteristic violin-shape on the front part. Bites are rare, and usually happen at night when the victim is sleeping. They have cytotoxic venom, which means that it destroys tissue. Bites are small and painless, but after a few hours the site swells up and becomes discoloured, which is followed by blistering and peeling of the skin – leaving an open wound. Untreated bites can lead to infections, septicaemia and necrosis – and usually surgery is needed to remove the dead tissue. No anti-venom is available for violin spider bites, and treatment is to prevent infection and promote healing.

• Keep calm. A spider bite does not mean instant death – in most cases you only need a painkiller, antihistamine and wound management. For button spiders, however, the patient should be taken to hospital immediately. Also, children should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after a bite.
• Try to catch the spider – this makes identification and treatment much easier.
•  Wash the bite site with soap and water. Apply an ice pack.
•  Wounds should be kept clean, and antiseptic cream applied regularly.
• All spider bite victims must go for a booster tetanus injection.
•  If more severe symptoms appear, see a doctor immediately.