MYSTERY BITES LIKELY COME FROM SPIDERS
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When a mysterious itchy red patch appears on the ankles or legs, we often turn to spider bites as a likely explanation. Considering that situations where spiders inevitably come into contact with skin are uncommon and unprovoked bites are rare, mystery bites are likely to come from other sources. The most common sources of bites are from mosquitos, blood-sucking bed bugs, ticks or mites. A bite from these bugs often leaves a red and inflamed mark on the skin. Studies have also shown that the beginnings of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection can also look like swollen red spots that can be mistaken for spider bites. However, the occurrence of a spontaneous spider bite is not impossible and can often be identified by small puncture marks in the skin.