Spider Bite: Symptoms and Treatment

Peter Parker transforming into the Spider-Man due to a spider bite is obviously a fiction. The harmless looking spider is capable of biting human beings in self-defense. Bites of certain species of spiders can produce serious symptoms which require medical treatment. But, not all spider bites are harmful. Before taking a look at the spider bite symptoms and treatment, let us know some more about spider bites.

Spider Bites

Spiders hunt their prey and eat them. Often, they inject venom into their intended prey in order to render them immobile and then consume their prey. Normally, humans are not part of the list of prey for spiders. They only bite humans when they feel threatened or when humans accidentally step on them. Also, it is important to know that not all spiders are poisonous.

The common house spider is not dangerous or poisonous. However, it can bite if it feels threatened. The bite of a house spider is similar to a flea bite and does not lead to any other serious symptom. On the contrary, the Brazilian wandering spider or the banana spider is one of the deadliest spiders known to man. This spider looks like a tarantula and is very aggressive. The bite of this spider is venomous and extremely painful. These spiders are found in South and Central America.

The Hobo spider, commonly found in Europe, can only attack if it is crushed or squeezed. In the United States of America, two species of spiders, whose bites are considered to be poisonous, are the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Both these variety of spiders prefer dry, warm climates and areas which are often undisturbed such as basements, closets, attics, and woodpiles.

A black widow spider can be identified by a red hourglass marking on its belly. Its body is shiny and black. It is small in size. On the other hand, the brown recluse spider has a violin shaped marking on its back. It is an inch longer in size as compared to the black widow spider.

Spider Bite Symptoms

Spider bites are often mistaken as flea or bed bug bites, and hence, are ignored. However, apart from redness and swelling, many other signs and symptoms are observed in case of spider bites. When bitten by any of these spiders, it is best to contact a medical practitioner immediately. Following are the spider bite symptoms caused due to some common species.

Common spider bite symptoms: The common symptoms observed due to spider bites include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, joint pain, muscle cramps, and rashes.

Black widow spider bite symptoms: These include immediate pain, swelling, burning and redness in the area of the bite. The bite itself may feel like a pinprick. Often, marks resembling double fang bites can be seen.

Brown recluse spider bite symptoms: These include mild stinging sensation, redness in the area of the bite. This can be followed by severe pain that develops within 8 hours of the bite. Often, the area around the bite may become blue or purple, and is surrounded by a whitish ring enclosed in a reddish ring. Blisters and ulcers may even develop in the bite area.

Brazilian wandering spider bite symptoms: As mentioned above, this is one of the deadliest spiders in the world, whose bite can be lethal. Symptoms include severe or excruciating pain, inflammation, paralysis and even death.

Spider Bite Treatment

Initially, one should try and identify the cause of the bite. Here are a few first aid tips for treating spider bites:

• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack or a cool compress over the area of the spider bite.
• Use pain relief medication and call the doctor immediately.

In case you are bitten by the black widow spider or the brown recluse spider, then follow the procedure given below:

• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
• Raise the body part of the area of the spider bite in order to prevent the spread of the venom into the body.
• Tie a bandage over the area of the spider bite so as to prevent the spread of the venom into the body. However, ensure that the bandage does not prevent blood flow.
• Call the doctor immediately.

It is essential to watch out for skin rashes, reactions and infection. Hospitalization may be required in case of spider bites from the black widow or the brown recluse spider. Similarly, the victim should be taken to the doctor immediately, if the symptoms worsen even after taking the first aid. Anti-venom medication is required in order to treat symptoms caused due to poisonous spider bite.

Spider bites can be poisonous and even dangerous. It is essential to note that over-the-counter medication like pain killers should NOT be taken without consulting the doctor. It is only wise to call your doctor immediately when you are bitten by a spider so that he can provide you with correct medical treatment.