Do All Brown Recluse Bites Get Infected?

Not all brown recluse spider bites become infected. Bite reactions are dependent upon individual sensitivity and amount of venom injected and are more severe for young children. Bite reactions range from small red marks that heal without incident to severe infections requiring amputation.

Prevention

• If your bite is merely a small red spot, wash it thoroughly with soap and water, dry and apply antibiotic ointment. Cool compresses relieve pain. Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of skin or blood borne infections.

Skin Infection

• If the venom is localized in the skin, necrosis will likely develop within 24 hours followed by an increasing red, hot and itchy area that will develop into a small ulcerous wound.

Blood Borne Infection

• Usually those who experience fever, chills, sweating, nausea, jaundice and joint pain will not develop necrosis because the venom is circulating in their bloodstream rather then the skin.

Warnings

• Never treat brown recluse bites with camphor, phenol or other household disinfectants. Exposure to heat worsens symptoms and increases the chance of infection.

Treatment

• Anti-venom is only effective if administered within 24 hours. Antibiotics are given for infections. In extreme cases, dead skin will be removed and skin grafts will be considered.