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General Reference

Nejm 2005;352:700

Pathophys and Cause

Cause:Bite of any of several Loxosceles sp spiders

Epidemiology

Southwest and lower Mississippe valley

Course

(Nejm 1998;339:379): Minimal inflammation in 1st 24 h then severe inflammation and necrosis over 1 wk, which may need surgical debridement. Many heal w/o drastic results

Lab and Xray

Lab:Culture to r/o community-acquired MRSA

Treatment

Rx:Supportive care, perhaps w Dapsone started in 1st 24 h may prevent necrosis