Although some spider bites can have serious effects, most are minor and require only minor treatment. Most will heal fine, all by themselves, with just a bit of time. It’s likely that some bites identified as spider bites are actually from mosquitoes or some other type of insect. One way to be sure is to look closely at the injection site. If there are two small fang marks instead of just one, then you probably do have a spider bite.

Because just about every spider is venomous, there is usually some type of reaction at the injection site that will heal if given time. For spider bites that you know are dangerous, or if you are bitten by a spider but you aren’t sure if it’s dangerous, follow these tips to feel better and avoid infection.

Soap and water is the first thing to use. Wash the bite carefully because a spider bite, just like any wound that breaks the skin, runs a chance of infection. This is unrelated to the spider’s venom and has to do with keeping the wound clean and free from bacteria. A topical antibiotic ointment can also be applied.

Antihistamines, if available, will reduce any allergic reaction as well as inhibit swelling and itching.

Acetaminophen is good for pain and for swelling. Although adults may take aspirin, remember to avoid giving aspirin to young people at all times.

An ice pack will make the wound feel better and will inhibit the spider’s venom from spreading. Ice is also good to keep swelling down. If no ice is available, a cool wet cloth may be substituted.
If it’s possible to catch the actual spider that bit you, do so carefully and keep it in a container so you can identify the type of spider to determine if it is venomous. If you can’t find the spider, keep a close eye on the wound to be sure it doesn’t become swollen, red, painful or hot. These may indicate there is a problem that needs to be addressed by a physician.
When children, especially under the age of six are bitten, it’s important to try and identify the spider. If you find it is venomous, or if the child has any of the above symptoms, the child should be seen by a physician to determine if further treatment is needed.

There are a few symptoms to be particularly concerned about. These usually indicate the spider was venomous and therefore, probably require treatment.

Watch for these:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle Pain or Weakness
• Dead or Dying Tissue at the Injection Site.

Some spiders are quite venomous and although chances are slim that you would ever encounter one, it’s a good idea to be familiar with two of the most common whose bites usually require treatment. They are the black widow spider and the brown recluse.

Black widow spiders:

Black widows are quite unique and in some ways very beautiful. They are small and black and easily identified by their large bulbous body - and the large red or sometimes bright orange, hourglass shape on their back.

When a black widow bites, the symptoms are usually immediate, intense pain near the injection sight and rapid swelling. This is accompanied by headache, dizziness, general weakness, tremors, tears, muscle cramps and sometimes paralysis.

If you are bitten by, or think you may have been bitten by a black widow, perform regular first aid as directed for any spider bite and contact a doctor immediately. Chances are good that you will need further treatment.

Brown recluse spiders:

The brown recluse is small, brown in color and can be identified by a violin-shape marking on its back. Most of the time brown recluse spiders stay out of sight, preferring small, dark, dry spaces.

This is a small, brown spider identified by a violin-shaped marking on its back. They usually prefer small, dark, dry spaces. Often the victim isn’t aware he or she has been bitten at first. The symptoms of pain, itching and redness at the injection site are usually delayed.

However, the redness will eventually grow into a large bull’s eye and the injection will develop a black blister. Fever, headache, muscle ache, nausea, and vomiting are common. These bites can be very dangerous and in addition to administering first aid, elevate the area and seek a physician immediately