Recluse spider bite
This person was bitten by a spider, but little did he know that it had been a recluse spider! Leaving it untreated allowed the venom to cause these lesions. Scientists say this venom contains a rare protein that can cause a lesion as well as a much less common, but more dangerous systemic reaction in humans. The most common response is inflammation which, after one to two days, can develop into a "dark lesion" surrounding the bite site. The blackening, or "necrosis", of the skin is dead skin cells, evidence of the immune system's efforts to prevent spread of the toxin by preventing blood flow to the affected area. The photo shows the wound after necrectomy (removal of the dead tissue). It was then left open and filled with penrose drains. Penrose drains are used in wounds that cannot be completely debrided and in the presence of residual foreign material, massively contaminated tissue, questionably viable tissue, and fluid-filled dead spaces. Credit: @themedicalmentors . . TAG a friend and follow us @medicalpedia
