Initially the intensely painful bite will show little inflammation or blistering, but the person will sweat, have facial twitches, and may feel tingling around the mouth. Anti-venom does exist, and should be administered at a hospital as soon as possible.
Their bites produce localized swelling and pain that radiates toward the torso, and may be accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, hypertension, breathing difficulties and, in males, an erection. Anti-venoms exist to help relieve symptoms, and deaths are rare.
Other symptoms include a fever, rash, and nausea. Brown recluse spider bites can produce scarring, but have caused no deaths in the United States. There is no anti-venom, but treatments of bite lesions exist via surgery and antibiotics. If you get a brown recluse bite, see a doctor. They might prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines to prevent infections and control itching and discomfort. You’ll also need a tetanus booster if you haven’t had one recently. [2] X Trustworthy Source U. S. National Capital Poison Center Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives Go to source If the bite is especially deep or infected, you might need surgery or more advanced wound care to help it heal properly.
Severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever or chills may develop. Black widow bites are generally not fatal to healthy adults because a vaccine is usually readily available. However, if left untreated, people can lose limbs. Black widows and brown recluses are the only 2 types of dangerously poisonous spiders in the U. S. They both reside in warm climates and prefer dark, dry places like closets and wood piles.
A redback bite will produce sweating, vomiting, nausea, muscular weakness, and pain, which may be excruciating. Since the invention of redback anti-venom, no deaths have occurred as a result of a redback bite.
If you have signs of a severe reaction or anaphylactic shock, use an epi-pen immediately if you have one. If you don’t have your own epi-pen, emergency personnel will likely give you an epinephrine injection followed by antihistamines. It’s a good idea to get a large antihistamine injection as soon as you can, even if you don’t know the type of spider bite. While anti-venom is available in most ambulances, it might be a little while before the proper one can be selected and administered.
If you believe the bite is from a Brazilian wandering spider, apply a warm compress. This will help reduce blood pressure in the area.
Be careful not to cut off circulation when tying the bandage. If you believe you are dealing with a redback bite, don’t tie a bandage around the area. Redback venom spreads slowly, so the bandage won’t do much except worsen the pain. [8] X Research source
Rubbing alcohol can be used to preserve a spider.
To keep the swelling down, re-apply the ice every 1-2 hours.
For example, if you’ve been bitten on the leg, lie down and prop it on a pillow or the arm of a couch.
Antihistamines can make you drowsy, so be careful taking them before driving or using heavy machinery. Always follow the dosage directions on the package. If you’re not sure how much to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Children or teenagers recovering from chickenpox or who have flu-like symptoms should not take aspirin.
Always follow the directions on the package or get advice from your doctor or pharmacist about how often to apply the cream.
If your bite is just the size of a quarter, keep an eye on it. However, if it spreads in a stripy pattern around the area, producing redness and swelling, see a doctor right away.
Difficulty breathing Wheezing Nausea Muscle spasms A stripy pattern spreading from the bite area Tightening in the throat that makes it hard to swallow Sweating profusely Feeling faint
An open sore or blackened or discolored skin around the bite A fever or a general feeling of being unwell Worsening pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the bite Pus or other discharge from the bite Red streaks radiating away from the bite
