Spider Bite: Symptoms and Treatment

Spiders hunt their prey and eat them. Towards that end they bite the victim. Often, they inject poisonous 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 us when they feel threatened or when we step on them accidentally. Also, it is important to know that not all spiders are poisonous.

In the United States of America, two species of spiders whose bites are considered to be poisonous are the black widow spider bites and the brown recluse spider bites. 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. The brown recluse spider has a violin shaped marking on its back. It is an inch long in size.

When bitten by any of these spiders, it is best to contact a medical practitioner immediately. The spider bite symptoms of each are as follows:

Common symptoms after a spider bite from both these species include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, joint pain, muscle cramps, and rashes.

The spider bite symptoms for a black widow spider 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.

The spider bite symptoms for a brown recluse spider include mild stinging sensation, redness in the area of the bite. This can be followed by severe pain that develops with 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. A blister filled with fluid may also form at the bite area which may even develop into an ulcer.

Spider Bite Treatment

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.

Hospitalization may be required in the case of spider bites from the black widow or the brown recluse spider.

It is not always true that one is Peter Parker and a spider bite will transform one into a super hero. Spider bites can be poisonous and even dangerous. Please call your doctor immediately when you are bitten by a spider so that they can provide you with correct medical treatment.