Find care near me Key Points
- The article provides comprehensive information on spider bites, including symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment.
- Symptoms of spider bites can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock.
- Spider bites are primarily caused by harmless spiders, black widows, and brown recluse spiders.
- Prevention strategies include not provoking spiders, taking precautions when working outdoors, and having an EpiPen or similar medication available if allergic to spiders.
- The article recommends washing and icing a bite from a nonpoisonous spider and seeking immediate medical help if symptoms worsen or signs of shock appear.
Possible Symptoms of a Spider Bite
1. Pain or Itching
When a spider bites you, just like a bug bite, even if it is not an extremely poisonous bite that requires hospitalization, the area around the bite usually hurts. The pain could feel as if it radiates from the bite, and it might itch.[1]
2. Swelling
The area around the bite is likely to swell or become larger, turn red or purplish in color, and potentially even show the signs of a rash that consists of flaky, irritated skin. Keep an eye on the spot where the spider bit you in order to make sure that it doesn’t get larger very quickly.
3. Anxiety
Most people become very nervous after they have been bitten by a spider, partially because it’s difficult and sometimes impossible to know whether the spider was poisonous.[1] Try to stay calm. If someone you know was bitten, help them stay calm as you determine what to do next.
4. Illness
Spider bites sometimes cause symptoms of the flu or another illness: sweating, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and swollen glands.[2] These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a bite from an extremely poisonous spider. It is important to keep an eye on the bitten individual and their current state of wellness. If the symptoms start to get worse, if they do not go away over time, or if the individual finds it hard to breathe, they need medical treatment.
5. Anaphylactic Shock
Some people are allergic to spider bites.[3] If this is the case, the individual could go into anaphylactic shock; symptoms include wheezing, coughing, a swollen tongue, trouble breathing or talking, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Top 3 Causes of Spider Bites
1. Harmless Spiders
Most spiders are not poisonous to humans (except for those who have allergic reactions to spider bites), and their bites are not deadly. Sometimes, painful and uncomfortable symptoms can still occur as a result of a bite, but usually, they are not dangerous. In many cases, a spider bite is no more serious than a bee sting.[4]
2. Black Widow
Two types of venomous spiders are common in North America. One is the black widow, usually found in the Southern and Western United States.[5] Black widows are black all over with a red mark on their bodies. People who are bitten by black widow spiders have usually accidentally come into contact with a spider’s web in an outdoor area that isn’t cleaned often where there is debris or old wood. The black widow makes two marks deep in the skin and pumps its venom into the body. A black widow bite requires immediate medical help.
3. Brown Recluse
The brown recluse spider is the other type of dangerous spider native to the United States. It can usually be found in the Midwest and in the South.[5] Brown recluse spiders can be hard to tell apart from less dangerous spiders. They are brown, they have a marking shaped like a violin on their heads, and they have six eyes instead of eight. They can usually be found in dry areas that are sheltered from the heat or indoors in cool, dark places such as closets. A brown recluse bite usually turns white, looks like a blister, and causes a tingling sensation. This dangerous bite can cause the skin to develop necrosis.
3 Ways to Prevent a Spider Bite
1. Don’t Upset a Spider
Most spiders do not bite a human unless they feel threatened.[4] If you see a spider out in the wild, it’s best to simply leave it alone.
2. Protect Yourself
Wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves when you work outside to avoid being bitten by spiders.[6] If you know you’re allergic to spiders, make sure you have an EpiPen or another kind of medication handy in case of a bite. Spray your clothes with insect repellent, especially those in your closet, to avoid brown recluse spiders making a home there.
Possible Spider Bite Treatment Options
1. Wash and Self-Treat
If you have been bitten by a nonpoisonous spider, you should be able to wash the bite with soap and water, use an ice pack to minimize swelling, and take over-the-counter painkillers to treat any pain or discomfort.[4] Most of the time, the swelling and other symptoms go away on their own.
2. Get Help
If you have trouble breathing or show any signs of shock, get help by calling 911 or going to the hospital immediately. These are signs that your body is reacting to a poisonous bite. If the symptoms do not subside in a few days, or if they worsen, you might require further medical treatment. If you think you saw a poisonous spider bite you, it is better to seek medical help than to wait and see what happens.
Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Your Spider Bite
- How long ago did the spider bite you?
- Did you see what the spider looked like?
- What does the bite look like?
- Have your symptoms subsided, worsened, or stayed the same over time?
A Spider Bite May Also Be Known as
- Arachnid bite
- Arachnidism
Frequently asked questions
What are the common symptoms of a spider bite?
What types of spiders commonly cause bites?
The most common culprits are harmless spiders, black widows, and brown recluse spiders.How can I prevent spider bites?
It's best to avoid disturbing spiders, protect yourself when working outdoors, and keep an EpiPen or other medication on hand if you're allergic to spiders.How should I treat a spider bite?
If bitten by a nonpoisonous spider, you should clean the bite with soap and water, use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter painkillers.When should I seek medical help for a spider bite?
If symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days, or if there are signs of difficulty breathing or shock, you should seek immediate medical attention.What questions might a doctor ask about a spider bite?
A doctor may ask about the circumstances of the bite, the appearance of the spider, the progression of symptoms, and any treatments you've already tried.Can all spiders cause harmful bites?
No, not all spiders are harmful. Many are harmless, but bites from black widows and brown recluse spiders can be more serious.Is it necessary to have an EpiPen if I'm allergic to spiders?
Yes, it's recommended to keep an EpiPen or similar medication handy if you're allergic to spiders.
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