Symptoms of a Spider Bite

• Most spider bites cause local pain, redness and swelling. It's like a bee sting reaction.
• A few spiders (such as the Black Widow) can cause a more severe reaction.
• It is helpful to note what the spider looked like, if it was seen on the skin or around you.
• If you can, capture the spider in a jar with a lid. It will help you identify the spider. Only do this if it does not risk getting another bite.

Cause of Spider Bite Reactions

• Most spiders have tiny fangs. They inject venom into the skin.
• The venom is what causes all the symptoms.

Types of Spider Bites

Black Widow Spider Bite

• A shiny, jet-black spider with long legs. Total size 1 inch (25 mm).
• A red (or orange) hourglass-shaped marking on its under-side.
• Causes local pain and swelling right away.
• Sometimes, you can see 2 fang marks at the bite site.
• Severe muscle cramps (and stomach cramps) occur within 1 to 6 hours. These last 24 to 48 hours.
• Rarely causes death. Exception: bitten by several spiders.
• Note: many are dry bites (no venom) because the fangs are small.
• The brown widow spider is related to the black widow. It is found in southern US.
• Brown widow spider bites are treated the same as black widow bites.

Brown Recluse Spider Bite

• A small brown spider; total size ½ inch (12 mm).
• A dark violin shaped marking on top of its head.
• Causes pain at the bite. Blisters form within 4 to 8 hours.
• The center becomes bluish and depressed (crater-like) over 2 to 3 days.
• Skin damage may require skin grafting in 10% of cases.
• Other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, muscle pain can occur. No life-threatening symptoms occur.
• Brown recluse spiders are hard to identify.

Non-dangerous Spider Bites

• More than 50 spiders in the U.S. have venom. Their bites cause reactions that are not serious. This includes pain or redness at the bite site.
• The bites are painful and swollen. This often lasts for 1 or 2 days. They can feel and look like a bee sting.

When to Call for Spider Bite

Care Advice for Non-serious Spider Bites

What You Should Know about Spider Bites:

• Most spider bites are not dangerous. They look and feel like a bee sting.
• The main symptoms are pain and redness.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Clean the Bite:

• Wash the bite well with soap and water.

Cold Pack for Pain:

• For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth.
• Put it on the bite for 20 minutes.
• Repeat 4 times on the first day, then as needed.
• Reason: helps the pain.
• Caution: avoid frostbite by wrapping the ice pack. Do not put ice directly onto the skin.

Pain Medicine:

• To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
• Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Ibuprofen works well for this type of pain.
• Use as needed, but do not take more than the maximum recommended dosage as stated on the packet.
• If you are not sure what to take, ask a pharmacist.

What to Expect:

• The swelling and pain often last for 1 to 2 days.
• It should not be any worse than a bee sting.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Severe bite pain lasts more than 2 hours after pain medicine
• Stomach pains or muscle spasms occur
• Bite pain lasts more than 2 days (48 hours)
• Bite starts to look infected
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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