Bruising from Spider Bites - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Bruising and Spider Bites: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Spider bites can sometimes cause bruising around the affected area. While alarming to see, bruising is usually mild and subsides on its own. Learning what causes bruising with spider bites and how to treat it can help alleviate concerns if you experience this reaction.

Symptoms of Bruising from Spider Bites

Bruising from a spider bite may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Discolored skin at the bite site and surrounding area
• Purple, blue, black or reddish coloration
• Pain, tenderness or soreness when pressed
• Skin that does not blanch or lose color when pressed
• Mild swelling around the bruised region
• Change in size, shape or color of the bruise over days as it heals

The bruise often appears within hours or 1-2 days after the bite occurs. The discoloration results from burst blood vessels leaking blood under the surface of the skin.

What Causes Bruising with Spider Bites?

There are a few possible reasons why a spider bite may cause bruising:

• Toxin reaction - Venom or toxins from the spider can inflame and damage local blood vessels.
• Bump or knock - Accidentally bumping or scraping the bite can burst capillaries.
• Excessive scratching - Vigorously scratching the bite site may rupture blood vessels.
• Infection - Bacterial infection from the bite infecting the wound and surrounding tissue.

Additionally, using ice or extremes of heat on a bite can damage skin and lead to bruising. The ruptured capillaries leak blood that pools under the skin, resulting in discoloration and tenderness.

Bruising vs Skin Necrosis

Some spider bites may cause skin tissue damage rather than just bruising. This necrosis manifests as:

• Lesions or open wounds
• Peeling or dying skin
• Skin turning black or dark brown
• Hardening or thickening of skin
• Numbness in the area

This skin death is rare but can occur with bites from spiders like brown recluses. Seek immediate medical care if bite signs progress beyond bruising to tissue damage or skin necrosis.

Treating Bruising from Spider Bites

Most bruising from spider bites is minor and heals on its own. Some tips to help the bruise resolve faster include:

Rest the Area

Avoid putting pressure on or bumping the bruised region until it subsides. This prevents further blood vessel damage.

Apply a Cold Compress

Gently placing an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Keep the Area Elevated

Raising the bite above heart level allows gravity to drain excess blood and fluid from the tissue.

Use OTC Pain Medication

Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve soreness and pain.

Consider Arnica

Arnica montana is a homeopathic remedy thought to reduce bruising inflammation when applied topically or taken orally.

Don't Re-injure the Area

Avoid bumping, hitting or vigorously rubbing the bruised region until fully healed.

Watch for Infection

See a doctor if the bruise worsens, spreads, oozes pus, or is warm and tender which may indicate infection.

With rest and care, minor bruising from a spider bite typically fades within 1-2 weeks without needing special treatment.

Are Spider Bites Dangerous?

Most spider bites are harmless, causing slight reactions like:

• Mild pain
• Itching or redness
• Small puncture marks
• Minor swelling
• Low-grade fever
• Headache

These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a week or two. But certain spider species can inflict dangerous bites, such as:

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow venom can cause:

• Severe muscle cramps and spasms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Headache and fatigue
• Breathing difficulties

Black widow bites are rarely fatal but require prompt medical treatment.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse bites can trigger local reactions like:

• Itching
• Blistering
• Open wounds
• Blood-filled blisters
• Tissue necrosis and scarring

Rarely, systemic complications like fever, rash, and organ damage may ensue. Seek care immediately if bitten by this venomous spider.

Hobo Spiders

Though not proven, hobo spider bites may infrequently cause:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Systemic illness
• Skin lesions

However, most purported bites have no serious effects. Seek medical advice if concerning symptoms develop.

While severe reactions are uncommon, watch for any signs of difficulty breathing, fever, extreme pain or tissue damage, which require prompt evaluation.

Spider Bite Identification

Identifying the spider that inflicted a bite can be challenging. Bites often go unnoticed and spiders frequently hide or scurry away after biting. But some characteristic bite patterns and symptoms may offer clues to the culprit.

Black Widow Bites

Black widow bites classically cause:

• Immediate, pinpoint pain
• Two tiny fang marks surrounded by redness
• Muscle cramps and abdominal pain starting 1-3 hours after the bite

Brown Recluse Bites

Within 2-8 hours, brown recluse bites form a blister with a red-ringed lesion, and lead to:

• Severe pain
• Itching
• Nausea
• Fever
• Chills

The damaged tissue becomes hardened, discolored and scarred over weeks.

Hobo Spider Bites

Though less common, hobo spider bites may cause:

• Burning pain
• Itching
• Numbness
• Blistering and open sores

But often the bites have no venom effects and heal normally like any mild wound.

Seeking medical evaluation can help identify the spider species if unsure, and start appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Medical Care for Spider Bites

Most spider bites don't require medical care. But see a doctor if you experience:

• Intense throbbing pain or cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, fever or chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or swelling spreading from the bite
• Signs of infection like pus, red streaks or increased swelling
• Skin necrosis - holes, scarring or blackening skin
• Headache, muscle stiffness or abdominal pain
• Persistent bleeding from the bite

Seek prompt emergency care if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening after a bite.

Preventing Spider Bites

You can take these spider bite precautions:

• Wear shoes, long pants and long sleeves if in wooded, grassy areas
• Check clothing and shoes before putting them on
• Shake out towels, linens and clothing kept near the floor
• Wear gloves when cleaning storage areas, garages or basements
• Seal cracks in walls, doors and windows
• Store boxes off the floor
• Install insect screens on windows
• Keep foliage near the home trimmed back

Inside, use clutter-reduction, frequent vacuuming, pest control traps and essential oils deter spiders. Carefully handling and observing spiders teaches you to recognize dangerous species to avoid.

Spider Bite Treatment When Camping

If camping or hiking far from medical care:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water if possible
• Apply an antiseptic cream
• Immobilize the bitten limb and keep it lowered
• Apply cold compresses or cool wet cloths to reduce swelling
• Take OTC pain medication for discomfort
• Monitor for any worsening redness, pain or swelling

Seek emergency assistance promptly if concerning symptoms develop like difficulty breathing, seizure, fever or altered mental state.

First Aid for Spider Bites

Basic first aid after being bitten by a spider includes:

1. Wash the area with soap and water
2. Apply a sterile bandage
3. Elevate the wound to reduce swelling
4. Apply a cold pack or cloth to relieve pain and swelling
5. Monitor for signs of infection like pus or increased redness/heat
6. Avoid scratching or bursting blisters, which can cause infection
7. Take OTC pain medication as needed for discomfort
8. Consider topical hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching
9. Watch for severity symptoms and seek medical attention if concerning reactions develop

With proper first aid care and monitoring, most spider bites can be safely managed at home allowing time for the reaction to resolve.

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.