Spider Bit? How to Identify and Treat Spider Bites
Getting bitten by a spider can be downright creepy. But most spider bites are relatively harmless, even if they do hurt, itch and swell. Learning to identify different types of spider bites and how to treat them can give you peace of mind if you’ve been bitten.
Common Spider Bite Symptoms
The majority of spider bites in North America are from non-venomous species like orb weavers, grass spiders and jumping spiders. Even bites that do contain venom don't always inject enough to cause harm. Here are the typical symptoms of a minor spider bite:
- Immediate sharp pain like a bee/wasp sting
- Red bump or swollen area around bite
- Itching, burning and skin irritation around the bite
- Occasional bruising from ruptured capillaries
- Small blisters in the bite center in some cases
Symptoms normally peak within the first 8 hours then gradually dissipate over a few days, similar to a mosquito bite reaction. The good news is most spider bites can be treated at home.
How to Treat Minor Spider Bites
Basic first aid for a minor spider bite includes:
- Clean the bite area gently with soap and water to remove any venom/bacteria
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
- Keep the bite elevated if possible
- Use an antihistamine like Benadryl to relieve itching
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Apply hydrocortisone cream to lessen skin irritation
- Dab some antibiotic ointment on the bite if it blisters or oozes
- Avoid scratching as it can increase skin infection risk
Most spider bite symptoms resolve within a few days with home treatment. Seek medical treatment promptly if you experience any unusual or excessive reactions like extreme pain, swelling, ulcerations or fever which could indicate a serious bite.
How to Identify Venomous Spider Bites
While most North American spiders have fangs too small or weak to penetrate human skin, there are a few venomous spiders able to inflict more medically significant bites:
- Black Widow Spiders - Found throughout southern and western states. Bites cause severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, and nausea.
- Brown Recluse Spiders - Inhabiting southern and central states. Bites lead to tissue damage, ulcers, and scarring.
- Hobo Spider - Residing in northwestern states. Bites can result in headaches, nausea, numbness or swelling.
These spiders occasionally bite when threatened or unintentionally contacted. Seek prompt medical care if bitten by one of these venomous species.
Identifying a Black Widow Bite
The black widow is one of the most infamous and dangerous spiders in North America. Here are the signs you may have been bitten:
- Intense stinging pain spreading from bite site
- Severe muscle cramps and rigidity, often in stomach area
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hypertension
- Weakness or tremors
- Anxiety or restlessness
Black widow bites require emergency medical care. Antivenom can be given to counteract the neurotoxins. Supportive care for symptoms is key. Most recover within 24 hours with proper treatment.
Spotting a Brown Recluse Spider Bite
The venomous brown recluse spider can deliver a worrying bite. Watch for these signs of a brown recluse bite:
- Sharp stinging immediately when bitten
- Development of a painful red, blistered lesion
- Wound site turns blue or purple, swollen and hard
- Ulcerated sore filled with dead tissue
- Peeling, crusting skin around lesion
- Mild itching, fever, chills, nausea
- Healing takes weeks to months leaving scarring
See a doctor promptly for brown recluse bites to prevent extensive skin damage and secondary infections. Antibiotics, wound care, and sometimes steroids, help counteract venom effects.
Recognizing a Hobo Spider Bite
The hobo spider is a moderately venomous species found in the Pacific Northwest. Look for these symptoms if you suspect a hobo spider bite:
- Moderate pain spreading outward from bite site
- Red, swollen bump with central blister
- Itching, numbness, or burning sensations
- Headache, nausea, fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Chills or slight fever
- Purple blister and mild tissue damage
See a doctor for evaluation of hobo spider bites which can mimic mild MRSA infections. Clean wound care and antibiotics help prevent infections and skin breakdown.
When to Seek Medical Care
While most spider bites can be managed at home, seeing a doctor right away is advised if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling at bite site
- Ulceration or dead skin tissue
- Obvious puncture wounds from fangs
- Red streaking from the bite
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle cramps, rigid abdomen
- Nausea/vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Identify the spider as potentially dangerous
Quick medical intervention is crucial for serious spider envenomation. Antivenom, pain control, antibiotics, and wound care can prevent lasting damage and complications.
First Aid for Spider Bites
Follow these first aid steps while awaiting medical treatment for concerning spider bites:
- Wash the bite gently with soap and water
- Immobilize the bitten limb and keep it elevated
- Apply a cool compress or ice pack to reduce swelling
- Cover any blisters loosely with sterile gauze
- Avoid applying creams/chemicals as it can increase skin damage
- Take acetaminophen for pain and discomfort
- Monitor for worsening redness, swelling or fever
Never try to suck out venom or cut open the wound. This can worsen irritation and increase infection risk. Remain calm until you can receive proper care.
Spider Bite Treatment Options
Depending on bite severity and symptoms, doctors have different treatments available for spider bites including:
- Antivenom - Administered for highly toxic spider bites to neutralize venom. Multiple vials may be needed.
- Antibiotics - Prescribed if bite wounds become infected to clear bacteria.
- Pain Relievers - Oral or injected medicines provide relief from bite pain and muscle cramps.
- Antihistamines - Help reduce swelling and itching symptoms.
- Steroids - Used for inflammatory reactions to bites and skin damage.
- Wound Care - Keeping bite wounds clean while healing prevents infections.
-
FAQs
How can you tell if a spider bite is infected?
Signs of an infected spider bite include pus, swollen lymph nodes, red streaks from the bite, fever, and flu-like symptoms. See a doctor right away if you suspect a bite is infected.
What helps a spider bite heal faster?
Keep the bite clean and covered, use antibiotic ointment, avoid scratching, take antihistamines for itching, and use hydrocortisone cream to help spider bites heal faster.
Can a spider bite cause numbness?
Yes, some venomous spiders like the brown recluse or hobo spider can cause numbness around the bite area. This requires prompt medical treatment.
Do spider bites always leave a mark?
Most simple spider bites heal without any mark. But necrotic venomous bites from spiders like the brown recluse can leave scarring and permanent indentations.
How do you draw out spider venom?
You should never try to suck out spider venom yourself. Seek medical attention for serious bites. Antivenom administered by doctors is the proper treatment.
Add Comment