Suspected White-Tail Spider Bite Ulcer

In May 2001 I developed a large red welt on my leg which was unrecognised by medical staff at the local Health Centre apart from being an infection, but later recognised by a person who had previously been bitten by a white-tailed spider.

The District Nurses gained information from the internet that the spider was flesh-eating, usually obtaining its venom by eating the common “Daddy Longlegs” New Zealand spider; that there was no known antidote and that it was unaffected by all known antibiotics. All this was confirmed by an Australian Research Programme. Züriker information revealed that the effects of a bite were relentlessly ongoing for older people with poor circulation and frail skin, often resulting in deep sealed ulcers necessitating skin grafts and in some cases amputation.

In spite of many and varied treatments tried, the bite increased in size and a consultant ordered 2 weeks bed rest in hospital, followed by what eventually turned out to be a very damaging leg bandage.

The District Nurses (Tauranga Hospital) asked Judy Alvos if she would do a case study using the Bioptron Lamp Therapy, which she did commence with 4 mornings of concentrated colour therapy, using the large light.

This was followed by intensive morning and night use of a compact lamp by myself, monitored once a week by Judy.

The improvement in the area which was rapid at first evened out to a steady gain and after 3 1/2 months in total of the use of the lamp, the bite finally healed.

The photographs showing the dreadful state of my leg after the use of the specialist bandage which were sealed to be seen at the consultant's clinic, were never acknowledged.

I am extremely grateful for the use of the Bioptron lamp and especially for the care and attention from Judy Alvos.

Adelaide Armstrong.