Insects that cause mild reactions include:
Some insects are more likely than others to cause allergic or toxic reactions.
Bites from spiders usually cause pain, swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the bite. In some people, especially children, the redness and swelling may be worse and last up to a few days.
A few people have severe reactions to the toxin injected by spiders. A toxic reaction occurs when the spider venom acts like a poison in the body. This type of reaction can occur from one bite from a highly toxic spider, or from multiple bites from spiders not normally considered poisonous.
Symptoms of a toxic reaction vary depending on the spider, the toxicity of the venom, and the amount of venom injected. Most often, symptoms improve or go away within 48 hours. Although hives and difficulty breathing may occur in an allergic reaction, these symptoms will not occur in a toxic reaction. It is possible to have both a toxic reaction and an allergic reaction at the same time.
A toxic reaction may require immediate medical care or may lead to death. Signs and symptoms of a toxic reaction may include:
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