Management of Spider Bites

Few creatures instill fear like the spider. Although 20,000 species of spiders exist in the United States, only a few have fangs strong enough to puncture human skin. The black widow and brown recluse are responsible for the majority of spider bites, causing symptoms such as nausea, tingling or loss of feeling in the affected limb. Age, immune system strength and amount of venom also affect the severity of the reaction. Any spider bite by a black widow or brown recluse warrants prompt medical attention, but correctly treating the victim immediately helps minimize any damaging effects.

Capture the Spider

• Capture the spider, if possible, and bring it with you to the doctor's office or emergency room. The doctor can ask an entomologist to identify the species and prescribe treatment accordingly. Identifying the type of spider also helps local environmental officials alert the public of the spider's prevalence and danger.

Remain Calm

• Panicking quickens the heart rate, increasing the circulation of venom through the bloodstream. Have the victim take deep breaths and remain still while you assess the bitten area.

Clean the Bite

• Remove surface bacteria, debris and external venom from the skin by washing the bite with mild soap and clean water. Work the soap into a lather over the bite and rinse thoroughly with cool, not warm, water, to minimize swelling. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Ice the Bite

• Limit swelling by placing an ice pack or cold cloth over the skin. Swelling is the body's natural protective response to any kind of injury, but the increased blood flow encourages venom circulation.

Elevate the Limb

• Reduce the swelling by elevating the affected limb above the heart. Keep the limb raised until the symptoms subside or the victim receives medical care.

Monitor the Victim

• The bite of certain spiders has deadly potential for the elderly, young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of a spider bite typically begin waning after several days, but can continue for up to a month. Ease the painful symptoms and potential tissue damage by seeking prompt medical attention as soon as possible after a spider bite.