Class Cut by Spider

Going with the flow stopped suddenly for a tai chi teacher when he was bitten by a spider. 

Jonathan Ivins had to cancel his classes in the martial art around Loughborough including for the U3a after waking up after a pint at the pub the night before with a very swollen and sensitive foot. 

He said there’s a small bite on his instep, a little pin hole in a hard mass and lots of red skin. 

“I couldn’t put any weight on it and had to hop around for a couple of days. A nurse took a look at it and suspected a spider bite,” said Jon. 

Spider bites are quite rare in the UK numbering approximately 100 a year. The noble false widow, Steatoda Nobilis is the species attributed to them and is one of few British spiders capable of delivering a venomous bite. It usually occurs if it becomes trapped in clothing or between skin and does not actively attack.  

According to the Natural History museum website the hot weather is causing more spiders to come into the home as windows are left open for longer. But although we hear more about bites, in houses they aren’t as common as they used to be as properties are now better sealed.  

Jon said he reacts badly to bites but at the time of writing appeared to be healing and there is no infection which can result in a need for surgery.  

He tried some tai chi practice but his foot stiffened up so he’s learning 40 guitar tracks in preparation for up – coming gigs. 

“I didn’t see it; it might have well become an ex – spider if I had,” he added.  

If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a spider NHS advice is to wash the bite in hot, soapy water and if it becomes irritated seek medical advice.