Signs and Symptoms of a Rogue Spider Bite

Spider bites are often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other insect bites. Rogue spiders are those that bite you while you are unaware. These types of bites commonly occur while victims are sleeping or their attention is focused elsewhere. Unless you exhibit severe symptoms, spider bites can usually be treated at home. The best treatment is to wash the affected area and apply antibiotic ointment and ice.

Non-Poisonous Spiders

• The most common symptoms of non-poisonous spider bites reveal themselves on the skin and are difficult to distinguish from other insect bites. You may experience redness, itching or irritation at the site of the bite. In some cases, the bite is accompanied by mild pain. These symptoms usually disappear after a week and can be treated with pain relievers, ice packs and anti-itch creams. Allergic reactions have been known to occur, but these are usually caused by contact with the spider and not necessarily by the bite itself.

Poisonous Spiders

• The symptoms of a bite from a poisonous spider are much more noticeable than bites from other spiders. Two of the most common types of poisonous spider bites in the United States come from black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. A black widow spider bite initially feels like a pinprick. In some cases, you may notice double fang marks, but the bite mark isn't always noticeable. The bite usually looks like a target with a white spot surrounded by a red ring. Victims may experience pain, burning, severe cramps, nausea, difficulty breathing and increased blood pressure. Brown recluse spider bites start with pain, followed by itching within the first 10 minutes. The bite consists of a center blister surrounded by a red ring and a white outer ring. The blister eventually breaks open and leaves an ulcer. Pain is typically severe and is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.

Anaphylaxis

• Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a chemical, such as spider venom. Anaphylaxis can occur even after the bite of a non-poisonous spider if the victim is allergic. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may begin on the skin, including hives, itchiness, flushing and swelling. Many suffer from a feeling of impending doom and gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis causes a drop in blood pressure, which causes lightheadedness, loss of consciousness and even loss of bladder control. Many sufferers have difficulty breathing. In severe, untreated cases of anaphylaxis, the throat may close and lead to death. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, which may include resuscitation, oxygen and unblocking the airway. The most common treatment is epinephrine, which improves blood pressure and airflow.