Brown Recluse Spider Bites & Treatment

Brown Recluse bites are somewhat rare as these spiders are non-aggressive unless sensing a threat. You may suffer a bite if the spider becomes entangled in clothing or you place a bare hand or foot in their habitat.

Geography

• Brown Recluse spiders are most often found in the central Midwest states and southern states, edging toward the Gulf of Mexico.

Identification

• The spider is easily identified by the violin-shaped pattern on its body. Its bite is harder to recognize because it is relatively painless with a slightly red area. The fang marks are difficult to see.

Symptoms

• A bite sufferer will likely experience pain and itching following by fever, nausea and vomiting approximately 4 hours after being bitten.

Treatment

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, wash the bite location with mild soap and water. Apply ice and elevate the afflicted area of the body.

Warning

• If left untreated by a physician, a Brown Recluse's bite can cause blistering, necrosis of the skin with underlying fat, open lesions, organ damage as venom enters the bloodstream and (rarely) death.