Venomous spiders, snakes, and scorpions in the United States
Holve, S.
Pediatric Annals 38(4): 210-217
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-4481 PMID: 19455950 Document Number: 636145
Venomous bites and stings are complex poisonings that have local and systemic effects. Mild envenomations can be treated with supportive care. Severe envenomations can be treated definitively with species-specific antivenom, although the use of these products has potential risk of immediate and a more delayed onset form of hypersensitivity reactions. Consultation with a toxicologist is recommended to help guide therapy. Field treatments such as tourniquets and incision likely cause more harm than benefit and should be avoided.