Brown Recluse Spider Bite Symptoms

Along with the black widow, the brown recluse is the only spider in North America capable of inflicting significant harm in human beings. Specimens are found in the Southeast and Midwest portion of the United States, dwelling in dark, dry environments such as attics, barns and woodpiles. Their poison is most dangerous to young children, who may not be entirely certain when they've been bitten. Learn to look for symptoms and contact a doctor if you believe someone you know has been poisoned.

Bite Marks

• The bite marks of a brown recluse is red and may blister. If you look closely, you might be able to detect fang marks in the wound.

Pain

• The pain from a brown recluse bite becomes quite acute after about 2 to 4 hours. The pain will be most intense at the area around the bite itself.

Itching

• Itching and muscle pain often accompany a brown recluse spider bite, again, most likely centered around the bite mark.

Nausea

• The brown recluse bite may result in nausea and vomiting.

Necrosis

• Skin and fat around the bite may undergo necrosis, or the death of cells. Blistering and scarring may take place as well.