Cutaneous loxoscelism caused by Loxosceles similis venom and neutralization capacity of its specific antivenom

► Loxosceles similis venom caused inflammation and dissociation of collagen fibers in skin. ► Incubation of the venom with antivenom significantly decreased these effects. ► The antivenom also reduced the sphingomyelinase activity of L. similis venom. ► Female venom induced larger lesions in rabbits. ► Female venom was an immunization enhancer, protecting animals from envenomation.