This summer has seen a significant increase in the number of brown recluse spider bites, according to medical toxicologists from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Tennessee Poison Center Medical Director Donna Seger, M.D., is strongly recommending that physicians become familiar with the symptoms of these lesions in order to effectively treat them early on. Many people assume these bites should either be left alone to heal or treated at home without the need for medical attention.

Although these venomous bites typically heal well on their own, there are many other instances where medical attention is necessary.

There are two factors related to spider bites – the lesion itself, and the systemic symptoms that more rarely follow the bite. The more rare syndrome known as systemic loxsoscelism involves a rash, muscle pain, and a fever, which can be life-threatening.

According to ABC News, a 62-year-old man from Florida died after being bitten by a rare and poisonous brown recluse spider.

“As physicians, it is hard for us to do nothing. The cutaneous lesion has classic characteristics, but if physicians are not familiar with this bite, the tendency is to debride and cut out the lesion. This actually slows the healing process and can result in disfigurement that would not occur if the lesion were left alone. Ointments, antibiotics, and dapsone are not recommended. Ice works better than opiates for pain,” Seger said in a statement.

The recommendations according to Dr. Seger are that children under the age of 12 should have their urine tested after being bitten by a brown recluse spider. This simple test will identify whether or not hemoglobin is present in the blood, which indicates hemolysis. This test in adults is unnecessary if no symptoms other than the lesion itself are present.