Spider bites are usually minor and can be managed at home, but proper first aid is essential—especially if the bite comes from a spider known to be dangerous (such as a black widow or brown recluse), or if symptoms worsen.
Spiders bite human beings very rarely. While all of them produce venom or poison, most spiders have small fangs that can’t puncture the skin of humans.
The signs of spider bites are often quite similar to skin sores or bug bites, which is why it’s often difficult to determine if the wound was due to a spider bite or not.
What are the Symptoms of a Spider Bite?
Spider bites usually look like any other bug bite. The area appears inflamed and red and could be like an itchy or painful bump on the skin. One may not even realize the symptoms if the bite is from a harmless spider.
The bite from a recluse spider or widow spider, though, could lead to serious symptoms. The signs associated with a bite from a widow spider are as follows:
- Cramping
- Pain and redness
- Swelling
- Vomiting and nausea
- Tremors
- Sweating
The symptoms of a bite from a recluse spider are:
- Fever and chills
- Body ache
- Pain which keeps increasing after the first eight hours following the bite
- The wound growing into an ulcer and the skin around it dying
- The wound having a pale center which then turns purple or dark blue and is surrounded by a red ring
Dangerous Spiders to be Aware of
The two dangerous spider species to be aware of include:
Black widows
- These spiders have a visible red hourglass shape in the tummy area.
- They can mostly be found in the Southern and Western United States.
- They are usually present in outhouses, fences, building overhangs, and woodpiles.
Brown recluses
- These spiders are also known as fiddleback or violin spiders.
- The distinct feature of their physical appearance is that their heads have a violin-shaped, dark mark.
- They live in the Southern and Midwestern states.
- They prefer to inhabit sheltered and dry areas, including leaves, rocks, and piles of wood.
- When living indoors, they can usually be found in shoes, attics, and dark closets.
How to Treat Spider Bites?
If you believe that you have been bitten by a dangerous spider species, you should contact your doctor right away. In case the bite was from a species whose bite isn’t harmful, then take the following steps as first aid to treat the bite at home:
- Clean the area with soap and water so as to prevent the region from getting infected.
- Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes every hour or a damp and cold washcloth on the area of the bite.
- Elevate the area where you have been bitten so as to reduce swelling.
- If you’re experiencing pain and swelling, get an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Take an antihistamine to manage the swelling and itching.
- Observe the area to check if you develop an infection or if the symptoms worsen. If the area does become infected or an open wound develops, you might need antibiotics to treat it.
How to Prevent Spider Bites?
Spiders could be present in the ambience around you, be it in an outdoor space, your yard, or even your workplace. The following are some of the tips to remember so as to reduce the risk of spider bites:
- Educate yourself about the dangerous spider species and their preferred habitats.
- Always inspect your clothes, boots, and gardening gloves before using them.
- Get rid of spiders and spiderwebs within your home.
- Make sure you’re wearing gloves, eye protection, and a surgical mask while cleaning areas where tarantulas live.
- Do use insect repellents whenever required.
- Whenever you clean out your attic, basement, garage, or shed, remember to wear long pants tucked into your socks, a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, boots, and gloves.
- Ensure to get a tetanus booster once every 10 years.
- Attempt not to store firewood against the walls of your house and get rid of all the piles of lumber or rocks from the area surrounding your home.
- If a spider sits on your body, shoo it away using your finger instead of crushing it against your body.
First aid for spider bites
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
- Ensure Your Safety: Move away from the area where the bite occurred so you avoid additional bites or contact with other spiders.
- Observe the Bite: Note any immediate reactions, such as intense pain, swelling, or redness. While many spider bites cause only minor irritation, bites from certain spiders (like the black widow or brown recluse) may trigger severe symptoms such as muscle cramps, abdominal pain, or widespread reaction.
- Determine Severity: If you are unsure about the type of spider—or if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, spreading redness, or intense pain occur—seek medical help immediately 2.
2. Clean the Bite Area
- Wash Gently: Clean the bite with mild soap and cool water. This helps remove any bacteria or venom residue and reduces the risk of secondary infection.
- Pat Dry: Use a clean towel to gently pat the area dry. Avoid vigorous rubbing that could further irritate the skin.
3. Reduce Pain and Swelling
- Apply a Cool Compress: Dampen a clean cloth with cool water or wrap some ice in a cloth (never apply ice directly to the skin) and apply it to the bite for about 15 minutes at a time. This helps relieve pain and reduce swelling .
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, take a nonprescription pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the label instructions.
- Topical Treatments: To ease itching and inflammation, you can also apply an antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone cream to the bite. Calamine lotion may help soothe severe itching 3.
4. Monitor for Signs of Infection or Severe Reaction
- Watch for Worsening Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bite area. If redness or swelling increases, if you develop fever, or if the bite starts to look like a spreading wound, it could indicate an infection or a serious reaction.
- Know When to Seek Medical Help: Seek prompt medical attention if:
- You suspect the bite is from a dangerous spider (e.g., black widow, brown recluse, or funnel-web spider in some regions).
- The pain becomes severe or the area of inflammation expands significantly.
- You experience systemic symptoms like muscle cramps, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any sign of allergic reaction.
- For children, the elderly, or individuals with compromised immune systems, it’s better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider.
5. Additional Considerations
- Record Details: If possible, try to remember the appearance of the spider or take a photo (ensuring your safety first). This information could be valuable for medical professionals.
- Avoid Unverified Remedies: Do not cut the bite site, attempt suction, or apply unconventional remedies. Stick with clean, simple measures until professional care is warranted.
- Tetanus Vaccination: Ensure your tetanus vaccination is up to date, as spider bites can breach the skin barrier and increase the risk of infection.
REFERENCES
- Dinulos JGH. Infestations and bites. In: Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
- Thompson, DA. Spider bite. In: Adult Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2019.
- Auerbach PS, et al., eds. Arthropod and mosquito bites and stings. In: Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
- Cleveland Clinic, What To Do for a Spider Bite, Updated on February 23, 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-treat-spider-bites
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