Treatments for Serious Spider Bites

Spring, summer and warm weather bring spiders out and about. If a spider tries to make a snack of you, you are likely to have some form of allergic reaction. But if the spider happens to be a highly toxic spider--like a black widow or a brown recluse--cortisone cream will not be adequate.

It is important to get to an urgent care, hospital or physician immediately. In the meantime, there are a few actions to take.

Emergencies

• Some symptoms mean that there is no time to waste.

  If the bitten party experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, swelling of the eyeball, seizures or any form of shock, call 911 immediately.

Black Widow Bites

• Black widow spiders are deep black with long legs and an often hour-glass shaped--red, orange or yellow mark on their abdomens. They often have low-lying webs near wood piles, barbecues and swimming pools. If you are bitten by a black widow, try to get a positive identification on the spider if it all possible.

  Get medical help immediately. And while you are getting to the doctor, apply an ice pack and take it easy. Heat, motion and blood circulation only spread and further the poison. Do not apply a tourniquet.

  Symptoms associated with a black widow bite include vomiting, nausea, fever, chills, sweating, stupors, restlessness, shock, abdominal and chest pain, severe high blood pressure and severe muscle cramps.

  Typically, a physician will administer anti-venom medication and possible muscle relaxants.

Brown Recluse Bites

• Brown recluse spiders live in the south and central parts of the United States and come out in hot, dry climates. They are often found in rock or wood piles. The brown recluse may be difficult to notice at only 1/2 inch long. They are best identified by a violin-shaped mark that covers head and midsection.

  Much like with a black widow bite, get medical attention immediately. While waiting, apply a cold, wet cloth or towel to the bite and put an ice pack over the cloth or towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Again, try to identify the spider, and avoid the use of a tourniquet.

  Symptoms may include rashes all over the body with purple and brown spots, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, fever and chills. The site of the bite may blister and then turn to an open sore. Tissue may begin to die, leading to necrosis.

  There is no available anti-venom medication in the United States for brown recluse bites. A physician will remove the dead tissue; the site may require skin grafts later if too much tissue requires removal. A doctor may give pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics for any infection and antihistamines to help end the allergic reaction the poison creates.