Camel Spider Bite Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Tips

Camel Spider Bites: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Getting bitten by spiders can provoke fear and uncertainty, especially if suffering a bite from the legendary camel spider. Are camel spiders venomous? What happens if one bites you? Learning the facts helps determine how to respond appropriately and when medical treatment may be necessary.

Camel Spider Overview

Camel spiders belong to the Solifugae order along with about 1,000 other species of solifugids. Despite some longstanding myths, camel spiders are not venomous to humans.

Appearance

Camel spiders get their name from a vague resemblance to camels. They are not technically spiders or even arachnids, lacking silk-producing spinnerets. Growing up to 6 inches, solifugids are tan to dark brown with prominent mouthparts.

Behavior

Solifugids inhabit desert areas searching for insect prey, moisture and shade. With relatively large jaws, camel spiders can deliver a painful nip when threatened. Despite misinformation, they do not attack, leap or specifically target humans.

Effects of Camel Spider Bites on Humans

So what happens if bitten by a camel spider? The most common injury is merely a laceration or puncture wound from their sizable jaws.

Symptoms

A camel spider bite typically causes acute pain, swelling and some local bleeding. Small teeth may even break off in the wound, prolonging discomfort. Some redness and bruising may ring the bite area.

Risks

While not medically significant, camel spiders carry normal mouth bacteria that could theoretically cause infection. Risk is low but higher for those with comprised immunity. People allergic to bee stings might also react severely.

First Aid for Camel Spider Bites

Basic first aid helps ease a camel spider nip and prevent complications.

At the Bite Site

Gently clean the immediate bite area with soap and water. Apply antiseptic to lower infection risk. Cover with sterile gauze or a bandage, securing with medical tape.

Reducing Discomfort

Reduce swelling using cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve bite pain.

Monitoring for Issues

Watch for increasing redness, warmth and pus—signs of possible tissue infection requiring antibiotic treatment. Note any body-wide allergic reactions like hives, breathing issues or dizziness after a bite.

Treating Potentially Infected Camel Spider Bites

Mild Infections

Early oral antibiotics may treat cellulitis-like skin infections before becoming serious. Cephalosporins or anti-staph penicillins often work for uncomplicated cases.

Severe Infections

Rapidly worsening skin infections with spreading redness, swelling or streaking need prompt medical attention, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Potentially limb- or life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis is extremely rare though.

Allergic Reactions

Seek emergency care for any symptoms of systemic allergic response like hives, difficulty breathing, facial/mouth swelling or low blood pressure. Epinephrine, steroids, oxygen and fluid support then comprise standard anaphylaxis treatment.

Preventing Camel Spider Bites

Precautions help prevent surprising and inadvertent camel spider bites.

Being Observant

Watch where you place unprotected hands and feet when in camel spider environments. Wearing shoes and gloves when moving or removing items limits contact.

Making Noise

Creating audible vibrations, even just shuffling feet while walking, typically prompts resting spiders to flee your path before anyone gets hurt.

Securing Shelters

Check tents, tarps and overhead covers for visible spiders before ducking underneath. Zip up shelters tightly and shake out clothing, sleeping bags or debris piles before use.

When to Seek Medical Care for Spider Bites

While camel spider bites themselves rarely cause medically concerning effects in humans, other spider species pack more toxic venom with bite risks requiring physician evaluation for signs/symptoms including:

• Increasing redness, pain or swelling at bite site
• Ulceration or dying tissue around bite wound
• Bodywide reactions like spreading rash, swollen glands or fever
• Neurologic issues such as difficulty breathing or altered mental status

Learning how to prevent and provide first aid for camel spider bites reduces complications. But call your doctor or seek emergency care promptly if you have any worries following a bite.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.