Type III hairs can penetrate up to 2 mm, causing inflammation and local reactions. Although not common, inhalation of urticating hairs may cause significant allergic rhinitis. The incidence of tarantula-inflicted injuries is not known. Outside the US, tarantulas can be found in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean Islands, Africa, areas of Europe bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and Australia. Most patients bitten by tarantulas complain of mild pain similar to a pinprick.
Some tarantula bites can cause severe pain, local swelling, and numbness.
Some patients have reported arthritic stiffness lasting for weeks following bites near joints. No permanent deficits have been reported. Skin Symptoms at the site of hair penetration include irritation, severe pruritus, edema, and erythema. Rarely, anaphylaxis may follow such exposure. Eye Ocular exposure to tarantula hairs may lead to redness and an itchy or gritty sensation.