Signs & Symptoms of Brown Recluse Bites in Infants

According to the Boston Children's Hospital, most spiders in the United States are poisonous, but their fangs are too fragile to pierce human skin. There are two spiders, however, that can cause serious problems in humans: the black widow and the brown recluse. The brown recluse, or violin spider, lives in warm climates and generally will not bite unless it is threatened. Brown recluse spider bites can often mimic other medical conditions, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Skin Symptoms

• Each infant may experience symptoms differently but, in general, a child may experience burning, pain and redness at the site of the bite. These symptoms may be immediate, or could occur over a span of several hours or days after the bite occurs. Additionally, the child may experience itching in the area around the bite. The site may turn a deep blue or purple, or present as a large, reddened area with a whitish center. In severe cases, the bite may become an ulcer or blister that then turns black.

Systemic Symptoms

• The infant may experience headache, body ache and fever. If the infant is pre-verbal, he may express his discomfort with irritable behavior, crying and difficulty sleeping. The infant may also exhibit a rash in other areas of her body, and may also experience nausea and vomiting.

Treatment Options

• If you suspect that a brown recluse has bitten your infant, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, parents should wash the bite site with soap and water and apply a cold pack or wet washcloth to the site. Your child's doctor may recommend acetaminophen for the pain and a topical antibiotic to prevent infection. In some cases, a doctor may administer a steroid or perform surgery to remove damaged tissue. Severe cases may require hospitalization.