A woman’s Italian getaway went horribly awry when she sustained a spider bite that eventually caused a portion of her ear to liquefy.
Most spiders are harmless and we rarely pay attention to them in our backyards and neighborhoods.
However, according to LiveScience, a woman’s Italian getaway went horribly awry when she sustained a spider bite that eventually caused a portion of her ear to liquefy.
She awoke one night in pain and soon after sought medical attention.
The 22-year-old was prescribed some antihistamines and sent home.
But, the medication proved to be no match for the spider’s venom.
After returning home to the Netherlands, the woman noticed that parts of her ear were turning black and she once again got it checked out.
Upon examining the necrotized flesh, the doctors were certain of the cause – it was the bite of a Mediterranean recluse spider.
Often, the spider’s venom will cause a small portion of flesh and fat to disintegrate, but this woman was particularly unlucky and her entire ear was disfigured as a result.
While many cases can be treated with painkillers and some time on ice, this one required significant tissue removal and plastic surgery.
A piece of the woman’s rib was used to reconstruct the damaged cartilage in her ear.
Hers is the first known recluse bite to result in such extensive ear damage.
Usually, say doctors, the spiders aren’t even worth worrying about.
