Stoecker et al reported the NOT RECLUSE mnemonic to help in the diagnosis of a brown recluse spider bite. The authors are from the University of Missouri and Unversity of California Riverside.
May not be a Recluse Spider bite
Recluse bites should be
numerous (N)
usually single, rarely double
occurrence (O)
from disturbing a spider hiding
timing (T)
active from April to October
red center (R)
center pale, purple or blue-white
elevated (E)
flat or slightly sunken
chronic (C)
usually heals within 3 months
large (L)
the main lesion should be less than 10 cm in diameter
ulcerated early (U)
ulcers appear 7 to 14 days after bite
swollen (S)
massive swelling uncommon below the neck but facial bites may be edematous
exudative (E)
usually not exudative or purulent (exceptions bites on eyelid and toes)
The bite can be extremely painful.
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