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What Are the Dangers of Brown Recluse Spider Bites?

The brown recluse spider is a poisonous spider native to the United States. It is commonly found in the central Midwest and Southern states. It is also known as the "fiddle-back" spider because of the violin-shaped marking on its back.



While the venom from a brown recluse spider is potent, the spider is unable to inject large quantities of venom into its victims. A bite is seldom fatal, but it can cause severe reactions, especially in children.

  1. The Bite

    • The spider bite may feel like a minor prick of the skin or burn like a bee sting. There may be some redness and swelling at the site. Even if the wound seems minor, if you suspect a brown recluse spider bite, contact your local emergency room or poison control center. Wash the area with soap and water, and place an ice pack on the wound to alleviate swelling.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, most presumed spider bites are bites from other bugs. Try to capture the spider for identification and to ensure proper treatment.

    Common Symptoms

    • Pain escalates for several hours after the bite and can be severe. The bite site may take on a bulls-eye appearance, with red, purple and white rings surrounding the bite. Burning and itching may escalate for hours and even days after the bite. The victim may suffer a general ill feeling, combined with body aches. In some cases, symptoms may include fever, nausea and chills.

    Severe Reactions

    • Children, the elderly and people with health issues are more at risk for complications from a brown recluse spider bite. In rare cases, the victim may suffer from hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the red blood cells are prematurely destroyed. This can lead to kidney failure. In other cases, seizures and coma have occurred..

      The spider venom attacks the tissues surrounding the bite, causing a craterlike ulcer to form. These lesions can vary in size. The affected tissue is destroyed. As the lesion heals, the damaged or necrotic tissue is sloughed off, revealing the underlying tissue. The ulcer can take weeks to heal, and full recovery may take months. This type of wound can cause significant scarring, occasionally requiring surgery.

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