Spider Bite Symptoms, Treatments & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites.
- 2. 'Spider Bites.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.
- 3. 'Default - Stanford Children's Health.' Stanford Children's Health - Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
- 4. 'Black Widow Spider Bite.' Black Widow Spider Bite | Michigan Medicine, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tm6498spec.
- 5. 'First Aid: Spider Bites (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth.' Edited by Kate M. Cronan, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, July 2018, kidshealth.org/en/parents/spider-bites-sheet.html.
Spiders are a familiar sight, both indoors and out. While some people are afraid of these arachnids due to their unusual appearance, most spiders are harmless. They serve a useful purpose since they eat insects that are harmful to crops.
All spiders produce venom, but the fangs of most spiders are too small to pierce the skin of humans. Of the 60 or more species of spiders in the United States implicated in biting humans, there are two that cause bites that may be dangerous for humans: the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites.
1. Where Do Spiders Live?
Spiders live throughout the United States, often in undisturbed spaces. Black widows and brown recluse spiders prefer warm climates and dwell in dark, dry spaces. Black widows are black with a red hourglass marking on their undersides. They’re present in most of the United States, and people may encounter them in sheds and garages, woodpiles and infrequently used gardening equipment.
The habitat of brown recluse spiders, also called violin spiders, includes the southern and midwestern United States. People may find them under rocks; in tree stumps; and in basements, attics and cupboards. They aren’t aggressive, but they may bite if they feel threatened.2‘Spider Bites.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.,3‘Default - Stanford Children’s Health.’ Stanford Children’s Health - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
2. Harmless Spider Bites
It’s not clear how many spider bites occur annually. Sometimes they go unnoticed. Other times, they’re attributed to bites from insects.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites. A spider bite resembles an insect bite, often presenting with a raised bump that may be painful, itchy, red and/or inflamed.2‘Spider Bites.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.
Treatment for most spider bites involves cleaning the affected area with soap and water, applying ice or a cool, damp cloth and elevating the bitten area. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers may relieve itching and pain.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites.
3. Black Widow Spider Bite Symptoms
A person who receives a bite from a black widow spider feels a sharp pain followed by numbness.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites. Fang marks may be visible on the skin. Pain and cramping may occur in the stomach, chest, shoulders and back. The person may develop profuse sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache and dizziness.
More severe symptoms include breathing difficulties, as well as tremors, weakness and paralysis in the limbs. The person may also feel restless and anxious, the eyelids may swell and a rash may develop.3‘Default - Stanford Children’s Health.’ Stanford Children’s Health - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
4. Black Widow Spider Bite Treatment
Initial treatment for a black widow spider bite is similar to treatment for other spider bites. After gently washing the area with soap and water, using an antibiotic cream helps prevent infection. Applying ice, elevating the affected area and administering over-the-counter medication can also help alleviate discomfort.
People should seek medical advice following a black widow spider bite. Some cases require administration of antivenin, prescription pain medications and muscle relaxants. Hospitalization may also be necessary.3‘Default - Stanford Children’s Health.’ Stanford Children’s Health - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
5. Black Widow Spider Bite Complications
Breathing problems, high blood pressure, heart issues and severe cramping and muscle pain are some symptoms that may develop following a black widow spider bite. Children under 16, people aged 60 and older and those who are pregnant or already have blood pressure or breathing issues are most at risk of developing complications due to black widow spider bites.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites.,4‘Black Widow Spider Bite.’ Black Widow Spider Bite | Michigan Medicine, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tm6498spec.
Allergic reactions may develop and require emergency care. Symptoms include face or mouth swelling and difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing.5‘First Aid: Spider Bites (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth.’ Edited by Kate M. Cronan, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, July 2018, kidshealth.org/en/parents/spider-bites-sheet.html.
6. Brown Recluse Spider Bites
A brown recluse spider bite causes pain, itching, burning and/or redness at the site of the bite. These symptoms may intensify over several hours. Other possible symptoms include nausea or vomiting, fever, rash, headache and body aches.2‘Spider Bites.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.,3‘Default - Stanford Children’s Health.’ Stanford Children’s Health - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
To prevent infection, a brown recluse spider bite should be cleaned each day using povidone-iodine solution. Soaking the area in sterile saline solution three times a day is helpful as well.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites. In most cases, the bite heals on its own within a week.2‘Spider Bites.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.
7.Brown Recluse Spider Bite Complications
In some cases, the bite from a brown recluse spider takes on the appearance of a bullseye. The center of the bite turns blue or purple with a whitish ring around it and a red ring surrounding the entire area. Sometimes the area turns black and an ulcer forms.3‘Default - Stanford Children’s Health.’ Stanford Children’s Health - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
If an ulcer develops, the person may require hospitalization. Surgery may be necessary to treat the ulcer, and it may take months for healing to take place.2‘Spider Bites.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.,3‘Default - Stanford Children’s Health.’ Stanford Children’s Health - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=spider-bites-85-P00860.
8. Seeking Medical Advice
In most cases, medical attention isn’t needed when a person receives a spider bite. However, it’s best to seek medical help if there’s a possibility the bite is from a venomous spider. Medical assistance is also in order if the person is in severe pain, has abdominal cramping or develops an ulcer at the site of the bite.
A health provider may want to examine the person, prescribe medications and/or administer a tetanus vaccine.2‘Spider Bites.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352371.
9. Spider Bite Prognosis
Most of the time, symptoms from spider bites dissipate on their own over time, and there are no long-lasting effects. Usually, the person only needs care at home, including proper cleaning of the bite site and implementation of pain mitigation measures.
While people bitten by black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders may experience more severe symptoms, they can expect a full recovery as long as they seek appropriate medical care.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites.
10. Preventing Spider Bites
To prevent spider bites, people should avoid areas likely to harbor spiders, such as basements, attics and woodpiles. They may also spray those areas with insecticides to discourage spiders and insects.
When engaging in outdoor activities, it’s best to cover most areas of the skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, gloves and long pants tucked into boots or shoes. Applying insect repellants is also helpful. Shaking out gardening gloves before putting them on can help dislodge spiders that may be hiding inside.1‘Spider Bites: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites.
