Introduction
Spiders can be creepy and easily cause fear and worry in many people, but the odds of having one crawl under your skin and reside there are actually quite small. In this article, we’ll take a look at the myths and facts behind spiders entering the body and what happens if a spider does indeed enter a human being.
Definition of spiders
Spiders are arachnids that belong to the order Araneae. This order is divided into three suborders, mesothelae, mygalomorphae and araneomorphae.
Spiders can be found in all parts of the world and prefer different climates, altitudes, and habitats. Spiders vary in size and shape and nearly all spiders have segmented bodies, eight legs attached to their cephalothorax (head/thorax region), two pedipalps located near their mouthparts as well as two or four pairs of eyes at the front of their head region.
The vast majority of spiders possess venom glands which release venom into prey through a pair of fangs located on their cephalothorax. This venom serves primarily for killing or paralyzing prey for digestion.
Overview of the myth
The myth of coffee has been around for centuries, with stories being passed down from generation to generation. It is believed that coffee was discovered in the mid-fifteenth century by a man named Kaldi in present-day Ethiopia. According to legend, when Kaldi noticed his goats become more energetic after eating cherries from an unfamiliar plant, he decided to try some for himself and discovered its invigorating powers.
Today, there are still many tales about the discovery and early use of coffee, many of which have entered into popular culture. Some people say that it was first used by Sufi monks as a way to stay awake during night prayer sessions. Others debate whether or not it is the “black brew” mentioned in medieval French texts or if it was an invention of the Ottoman Empire along with baklava and Turkish delight.
Despite its mysterious origins, coffee is now enjoyed all over the world by billions of people on a daily basis. With continued exploration into health benefits and growing interest in artisanal brewing techniques, it seems that our love affair with coffee is far from over!
The Myth
The myth about spiders growing under your skin is likely something you have heard before, but you may question whether its true or not. Many people have concerns that spiders could become embedded in their skin, burrowing and making a home. In this article, we will get to the bottom of this myth and explore whether it is actually possible for spiders to grow beneath human skin.
History of the myth
The myth of spiders growing under human skin has been around for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Europe. It seems to originate from Witch Hunts when people believed in supernatural creatures like witches, demons and evil spirits. In this context, terrified people saw spiders as agents of the devil. This belief led to a folk tradition that spiders were able to penetrate deep into the skin and incubate, often forming giant spider webs within the body of the infected person.
The truth behind this theory is that when a spider bite penetrates through shallow layers of skin, such as a scalp or an arm, it may create an open wound which could potentially become infected with bacteria or fungi. However, these organisms are not spider eggs merely waiting to hatch and there has never been a documented case where this has happened. Instead, due to the topical nature of certain fungi or bacteria in certain areas, the appearance of ‘fury sludge’ (black residue) around an open wound may occur giving rise to fear that something much worse is happening – such as a nest of baby spiders lying in wait beneath your skin!
Therefore, while it’s possible for foreign bodies such as parasites and bacteria to enter our bodies through small cuts and breaks in our skin – there are no documented cases where this type of scenario has actually occurred.
How the myth started
The myth of spiders burrowing beneath the skin dates back centuries and has been a source of fascination, superstition and fear. In light of a popular story published in 1963, which suggested that spiders sometimes burrowed into human skin, fears persisted that this could still happen today. Although this narrative was proven to be false, the story continues to spread fear even today.
In 1963 the Skeptical Inquirer published an account from an Arkansas doctor about a case involving a woman who supposedly had spiders living under her skin. This story was later confirmed to be false but had generated significant media attention and resulted in much speculation about this phenomenon. While it is true that some animals, such as flies and ticks can enter our bodies through bites or cuts, there have been no verifiable cases of spiders doing this either then or now.
It is likely that reports like these feed into underlying anxieties around contamination from parasites or infection with disease-carrying insects. To give further credence to one theory, it has also been suggested that people may start experiencing sensations of pin-pricks when exposed to certain arachnids because their exoskeletons contain formic acid which can irritate some individuals’ sensitive skin. Thus when unaffected by the moderness of science and technology we desperately seek logical explanations for normal occurrences – especially if somewhat strange “paranormal” experiences take place – we turn our attention towards all matters super-natural; hence giving rise to such creepy myths like these!
The Reality
The idea of spiders growing under our skin is a terrifying one for many, however, the reality of this actually happening is highly unlikely. Spiders, specifically hobo and brown recluse spiders, have been rumored to burrow themselves under the skin in order to lay eggs, yet there is no concrete evidence to suggest this is true.
Let’s take a closer look at the reality of spiders growing under our skin.
What actually happens
Have you ever heard the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for”? That’s because often times when people get what they want, it’s not really what they expected or thought it would be. The same can be said for life. We think we know what we want, but once we actually get it and experience it, the reality is often different from our expectations.
The reality of life is that nothing is perfect and that even in the best of situations there will always be something to complain about or something that needs to be improved. When you stifle yourself out of fear of failure or worry too much about trying to make everyone else happy and cater to their every need, you can easily lose sight of who you truly are and your own happiness and peace of mind.
The truth is that no matter how hard you try, there will always be life’s highs and lows that can feel chaotic at times. It’s important to focus on recognizing the good moments in between these waves of change – the moments when things feel just right or when everything comes together nicely in a beautiful moment – so you remember why life can be so sweet despite all its complexities.
The real dangers of spiders
From time to time, spiders grab headlines due to their abnormal size and the perceived risk they pose to humans. While many of these “scare stories” are more fanciful than factual, some of the world’s most dangerous spider species do, in fact, exist. Their venom may cause a range of health problems in humans, including:
- Vomiting
- Chest tightness or pain
- Sweating or salivation
- Swelling around the bite area
- Anaphylactic shock – an allergic reaction that can lead to death in extreme situations – can occur as a result of being bitten by certain spider species.
The danger posed by spiders is largely overestimated due to sensational media reporting on their presence. However it pays not to be complacent when it comes to these creatures; while there are no recorded deaths caused by spider bites across Australia or North America in the past 20 years or so, it pays not to underestimate them either. While some common species may not physically be capable of causing harm to humans – for instance daddy long legs and jumping spiders – others should not be taken lightly. There are approximately 40 species that experts class as ‘medically significant’ because their venom is poisonous enough potentially carry serious side-effects with immediate medical attention required if bitten.
Examples of medically significant Australian spiders include redbacks (for which antivenom exists), funnel webs, mouse spiders, white tails and black house spiders which have been known cause uncomfortable symptoms such as cramps and nausea when their venom enters the human body through a bite wound.
Prevention
In order to prevent spiders from being able to grow under human skin, it is important to practice proper hygiene and cleanliness. Ensure that any skin cuts and other open wounds are properly cleaned and covered. Wear protective clothing and gear when engaging in outdoor activities.
To discourage spiders from taking up residence near you, it is important to:
- Keep the area around your house free from clutter and debris.
- Regularly dust and vacuum to remove any webs and insects that may create an inviting environment for spiders.
Common ways to prevent spiders from entering your home
Spiders can be frightening and unwelcome guests in any home. While it is true that most spiders are harmless, very few people want to share their living space with them. Fortunately, there are a few basic steps you can take to deter spiders from entering your home:
- Keep the outside of the home free of clutter – Remove items such as stacks of wood or stones that may be attractants for spiders. Mow the lawn regularly and keep trees and bushes trimmed back from the house.
- Seal cracks around windows and doors – Repair weather stripping around doors, which can provide a foothold for spiders coming in from outside. Check screens on windows and doors to make sure they fit snugly without any gaps large enough to allow a spider in.
- Use airtight containers – Store food in sealed containers, as this will help prevent spiders from being attracted by odors inside your home.
- Eliminate sources of moisture – Wet conditions are attractive to many species of spider; using a dehumidifier will help reduce moisture levels in your home, making it an unattractive environment for these arachnids.
- Vacuum regularly – Spiders often hide in cracks or corners of rooms where they can find seclusion; regular vacuuming will help capture any crawlers already inside the house before they have a chance to reproduce or cause damage.
- Use chemical deterrents – Some people choose to use chemical-based sprays targeting specific types of arthropods, such as those containing pyrethrin or permethrin for spider control. Be sure to read labels carefully before applying any type of insecticide directly into your living space – some may not be immediately safe for use indoors around pets and children.
Tips to avoid spider bites
No one likes the idea of a spider sinking its fangs into their skin, but it can be especially dangerous if the spider is a species like a brown recluse. Fortunately, there are some simple ways of preventing a spider bite.
First and foremost, be aware of your environment. Spiders tend to hide in places where they cannot be easily disturbed, like under furniture, behind curtains or in grimy corners. Be mindful of what you are reaching into and always check carefully when moving piles of anything. Wear protective clothing such as gloves and long pants and sleeves when around places where spiders may hide or when gardening outdoors in areas with high populations of spiders.
Inspect any items that you bring into your home that were stored outside, such as boxes, furniture or firewood before bringing them inside the house. If you expect there might be spiders present, shake items out first before bringing them into the house or spray them with an insecticidal soap made for indoor use before bringing them inside. Monitor your home for signs of an impending infestation by checking windowsills, foundations and entrances for webs. Regularly check your yard for spider habitats like stacks of wood or debris that can provide shelter for spiders which could invade your home looking for food and water sources such as sugars from leftover food or mildew on damp surfaces in bathrooms or basements areas.
Finally, if you have been bitten by any type if insect including spiders seek medical attention immediately if local symptoms such as redness swellings appears near the affected area from the bite area to prevent further complications due to harmful bacteria present within most insects’ saliva containing potential allergens triggering potential histamine reactions causing severe skin irritations within hours following contact bites.
Conclusion
After exploring the idea of spiders growing under your skin, the conclusion is that it is extremely unlikely to happen. Even though it may seem plausible in theory, the fact that no reliable reports on this ever happening, makes this a myth. So, the answer to the question, “Can spiders grow under your skin?” is a resounding no.
Summary of the myth
The claim that spiders can lay eggs or somehow grow under your skin is completely false. The idea that spiders, or any other insect, can hatch inside a person’s body has been around for centuries, but it holds no truth. There have been very rare instances of spiders entering the human body through a wound or mucous membrane, but overall it is extremely unlikely for this to happen and even then the spider would still have to survive in the human body which is highly improbable.
If a spider does somehow enter the human body and implants its eggs within the tissues, there is no evidence that those eggs will actually hatch into baby spiders. As much as this makes for a great bedtime story to scare children, it simply isn’t true. So rest assured you don’t need to worry about spiders growing under your skin!
Final thoughts
In choosing your perfect roast, it’s important to understand the flavor profiles and the level of caffeine for each type. Remember that a light roast generally has a bit more caffeine than a dark one, and that regional tastes play an important role in individual preferences. Feel free to experiment with different kinds of roasts before you decide on one that’s just right for you.
With practice, your coffee brewing skills will improve and you’ll be able to create delicious beverages time after time.