Clinical and Taxonomical Study of Spider Bites in Baghdad, Iraq: Demographic and Treatment Outcomes
Keywords:
Anatomical distribution, Clinical presentation, Necrotic ulcers, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Spider bites, Taxonomical studyAbstract
In the present study, we aimed to provide taxonomical and clinical analysis of spider bites in Baghdad. The sample consisted of 22 patients, ranging from 23 to 37 years old; there was a prevalence of male cases (77.3%). Most of the patients (77.3%) enrolled lately in > 10 days after bite, and only less number of them < 14 to almost up to the first hospital visit referring period i.e., within three weeks post-bite onset during, while others % presented early between initially over a week post-bite).
In total, 59.1% of the bites were observed in thighs and groin followed by legs (13.6%), fingers with genitalia/axilla less than that figure; Table-I). The initial presentations of this clinical form were similar to cellulitis, with erythematous plaque and central necrosis. Patients presented late with PG like ulcers, polygonal margins and black eschar.
Application of topical antiseptics, antibiotics, corticosteroids and the use of antihistamines were all preferred treatment by most studies. There were no surgical interventions. The healing time differed according to size of the lesion and stage at which the biopsy was taken, varying from 2 to 8 weeks.
This case series reveals the clear-cut clinical stages of spider bite presentations in Iraq, emphasizing on prompt diagnosis and conservative management to get optimal results.
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