Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Non-Hazardous Spider Bites
• Method 2 of 4: Bites from a black widow or brown recluse spider
• Method 3 of 4: Atrax robustus bites
• Method 4 of 4: Brazilian Wandering Spider Bites
• Tips

While spider bites can be painful and itchy, most are not serious and can be easily treated at home. This article will help you evaluate and treat a spider bite, as well as provide detailed information on 4 types of spider bites that are common around the world and require immediate treatment.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Non-Hazardous Spider Bites

1. 1 Identify the spider. Most spider bites are harmless - many alleged spider bites are actually insect bites and are easily treatable. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a dangerous spider, proceed to the subsections below to confirm the similarities and to review the appropriate first aid. Sometimes it is not possible to identify a spider, but knowing the type of spider that bit you can be helpful for a medical examiner when prescribing treatment.
   • Try to keep the spider specimen even if it is crushed. Rubbing alcohol can be used to better preserve the spider.
   • If you can't find the spider, move on to cleaning and examining the bite site.
2. 2 Wash the bite site with cool, soapy water. This will cleanse the wound and help prevent infection.
3. 3 Use a cold compress, such as an ice pack. This will ease the pain of the bite and help clear up the swelling.
4. 4 Lift up the limbs that were bitten. This will help reduce inflammation and swelling.
5. 5 Relieve minor pain symptoms with Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Aspirin is not recommended for children or adolescents recovering from chickenpox or having flu-like symptoms.
6. 6 Observe the bite over the next 24 hours to make sure the symptoms do not worsen. Within a few days, the swelling should subside, and the pain in the bite area should subside. Call a poison control center or doctor if symptoms do not improve.
7. 7 Know when to see a doctor. In some cases, the bite of a normally harmless spider can trigger an allergic reaction. Call emergency medical services immediately if the person bitten by a spider has any of the following symptoms:
   • Labored breathing
   • Nausea
   • Muscle spasm
   • Metastases
   • Lump in throat making it difficult to swallow
   • Profuse sweating
   • Feeling weak

Method 2 of 4: Bites from a black widow or brown recluse spider

1. 1 Identify the spider. The black widow and brown recluse spider are the only two dangerous venomous spiders in the United States. Both of these species prefer warm climates and dark, dry locations such as cabinets and wood beams. You can find them as follows:
   • Black widows - these are large black glossy spiders with red spots on the abdomen in the form of an hourglass. They can be found throughout North America. Their bite resembles a pinprick and appears to be slightly reddish and swollen. However, over the next half hour or several hours, you will begin to feel intense pain and stiffness. Severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or chills may develop. Black widow bites are generally not fatal to a healthy adult, and an antidote exists to relieve symptoms.
   • Brown recluse spiders They come in a variety of shades of brown, but they have a violin-like stain on their backs and long, thin legs. Their bite initially causes a burning sensation, over the next eight hours, develops into intense pain. A fluid-filled bladder appears, turning into an ever-enlarging ulcer, accompanied by constant tissue destruction and a red-blue color around the wound. Other symptoms include fever, rash, and nausea. Brown recluse spider bites can scar, but have never resulted in death in the United States. There is no antidote, but bite metastases are treated with surgery or medication.
2. 2 Get immediate medical attention. Seek medical attention immediately. Move as little as possible so that the poison does not spread further through the body.
3. 3 Rinse the wound thoroughly. This will help prevent infection.
4. 4 Use an ice pack. This will help slow the spread of the poison and reduce swelling.
5. 5 Slow down the spread of the poison. If the bite is on an arm or leg, lift the limb up and bandage it tightly over the area of ​​the bite. Be careful not to block the circulation!

Method 3 of 4: Atrax robustus bites

1. 1 Identify the spider. Extremely aggressive Atrax robustus resembles a sleek tarantula and lives in the dark, humid environment of Australia. His bite requires immediate professional medical attention, since intoxication processes are rapidly progressing. At first, an extremely painful bite will not become very inflamed or blistered, but the person will sweat, their face will have cramping, and a tingling sensation may be felt around the mouth. An antidote exists and should be prescribed in the hospital as soon as possible.
2. 2 Call emergency medical services.
3. 3 Apply a splint and gently bandage the limb that has been bitten. Use a crepe or elastic bandage to slow the spread of the poison.
4. 4 Place a splint over the bite site. It is very important to reduce the circulation of the poison in the blood before receiving medical attention.

Method 4 of 4: Brazilian Wandering Spider Bites

1. 1 Identify the spider. Brazilian wandering spiders are huge, aggressive spiders that are active at night and live in South America. They do not weave webs, move around at night, and can often be found in boxes of bananas or hiding in dark places. Their bites cause localized swelling and pain throughout the body, and may be accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and erections in men. There are antidotes to relieve symptoms, and death is extremely rare.
2. 2 See a doctor immediately. It is very important to get immediate medical attention, especially for children.
3. 3 Rinse the wound with warm water. This will help avoid infection.
4. 4 Attach to the bite site warm compress. This will increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.
5. 5 Slow down the spread of the poison. To slow the spread of the poison, lift up the limbs that were bitten and move as little as possible.

Tips

• Shake off unwanted spiders - attempts to hit the spider on yourself will lead to the fact that its chelicerae are in a position for a bite.
• Clean your home often - most spiders prefer dark, untouched areas.
• Shake clothes or shoes that are left untouched on the floor or in a closet before putting on.
• When working in the basement, outdoors, or in areas where spiders are common, wear gloves on your hands and socks on your feet over your pants.
• Move beds away from corners and walls to avoid spiders getting caught in bedding.
• Isolate your homes properly to reduce the chance of spiders getting into them.
• Using an insect repellent containing DEET will help keep spiders away.