Insect and Spider Bite Treatment

Most insect bites respond well to self-care but certain spider bites might require medical treatment. The following information outlines treatment suggestions and signs to watch out for that indicate the need for more serious treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• You should seek medical attention for a bite or sting if you experience swelling in your face, lips or throat, nausea, stomach pain, trouble breathing, vomiting, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or hives, says the Mayo Clinic. You should also seek medical attention if you suspect your spider bite has come from a black widow or brown recluse spider.

Reducing Venom Spread

• You can reduce the spread of venom by remaining calm and limiting movement as this hastens the spread of venom through the body, wrapping a bandage around the bite to limit spread if bitten on the arm or leg and removing the stinger, if present.

Medications

• Certain medications can relieve symptoms—they include antihistamines, over-the-counter pain medications and hydrocortisone creams and anesthetic sprays containing benzocaine. Doctors will use anti-venom (commonly referring to as antivenin) or other types of medications to treat black widow and brown recluse spider bites.

Self-Care

• Reduce swelling and itching by applying ice to the bite every hour for the first six hours. WebMD does not advise leaving the ice on longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. In the absence of swelling, you can apply heat to the bite after six hours.

Home Remedies

• WebMD suggests the following home remedies might help but have not been proven. They include applying witch hazel or deodorant and soaking the affected area in warm water and Epsom salt.