What is a common effect of a brown recluse spider bite?

A common effect of a brown recluse spider bite is indeed the potential to cause necrosis, or "rotting" of tissue at the site of the bite. The venom of the brown recluse contains enzymes that can damage blood vessels and tissues, leading to the breakdown of cells and, in some severe cases, resulting in a necrotic wound. This tissue necrosis can be particularly severe in individuals who may be more sensitive to the venom's effects or those who have underlying health conditions.

While other effects may accompany a brown recluse bite, such as swelling and redness, those symptoms are typically part of the initial inflammatory response rather than indicative of the more severe tissue damage that can occur. Similarly, while some individuals may experience allergic reactions to spider bites in general, this does not specifically represent the most serious or distinctive effect associated with the brown recluse's venom. Lastly, temporary paralysis is not a characteristic effect of a brown recluse spider bite, distinguishing it further from other types of spider bites that may involve neurotoxic effects, which the brown recluse does not primarily exhibit.