Loxoscelism

Loxoscelism is a condition occasionally produced by the bite of the recluse spiders (genus Loxosceles). The area becomes dusky and becomes a deep open sore as the skin around the bite dies (necrosis). It is the only proven type of necrotic arachnidism in humans. While there is no known therapy effective for loxoscelism, there has been research on antibiotics, surgical timing, hyperbaric oxygen, potential antivenoms and vaccines. Because of the number of diseases that may mimic loxoscelism, it is frequently misdiagnosed by physicians.