Spider Bite
A spider bite needs immediate attention regardless of how "harmless" the spider may be regarded. If the spider isn't known as a poisonous spider, or one with "consequences", keeping an eye on the bite and the patient for a reaction is appropriate. If the bite is near a lymph node or an area that gets constricted, like at your waist line, get medical attention. But if the spider is known to be dangerous, regardless of where you are bitten, get to the doctor quickly.
For most people, seeing a spider can bring up feelings of fear and apprehension. Some people have such strong spider phobias they get frozen by their fear. Thinking of a spider bite brings up even more fear, especially when it comes to our children and elderly.
Being prepared with information about what first aid and care you need to follow if you are bitten by a spider can help to take some of that apprehension out of the bite, so that you can calmly care for the spider bite and the person bitten. What spider bites you and where you are bitten make a difference to your actions too.
First aid that is given as soon as possible is best for any bite or injury, and spider bites are no different. The first thing that you need to do if you are bitten by a spider is to determine what type of spider has bitten you. In the United States the two spiders that you need to be concerned most about are poisonous and are the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Both of these spiders are normally found in warm areas of the country and love dry and undisturbed places, including closets and other undisturbed areas. The Yellow Sack Spider isn't considered poisonous, but it's bite has "consequences", so be aware.
Signs that you were bitten by a black widow spider include slight swelling at the bite site and red marks. A few hours after the bite, stiffness and pain may set in. There are other symptoms of a black widow spider bite as well, including nausea, fever, chills, and/or abdominal pain. If you are exhibiting these signs, you will want to apply a cold cloth and get medical attention as soon as possible for antivenom medication.
A brown recluse spider -- also known as the fiddle-back spider -- bite comes with entirely different symptoms. At the time of the bite itself, you may feel some stinging. Pain and redness will soon follow the spider bite and then you may see further symptoms. These other symptoms may include a blister that is filled with fluid, a mild fever, nausea, and chills. If you suspect that you were bitten by a brown recluse spider, then you will need to visit the doctor for further treatment, including corticosteroids, etc.
The yellow sack spider bite looks and acts much like a brown recluse spider bite. Though the bite is serious and needs immediate attention it's not quite as dangerous as the recluse spider bite. Any spider bite deserves immediate attention.If you are not close to medical aid and suspect that you have been bitten by one of these spiders, you can take either or both of these actions. If your bite was on the arm or leg, place a snug bandage of about 3" wide above the bite to help inhibit the spread of the venom. Make sure it is not so tight as to prevent blood flow, but snug enough to help prevent spread of venom. The venom spreads through the lymph system which is close to the skin, which is why the bandage doesn't need to be really tight. A cold compress or ice placed on the bite site can also help to slow down the venom progression.
If the spider bite is near a lymph node, see your doctor quickly. The lymph system is a fast-acting network so the bite in a seemingly innocuous spot on your body can introduce poison or venom that will get to critical areas of your body quickly.
Whether you are bitten by a poisonous or non-poisonous spider, you may still find you have some health symptoms. Clean the area with soap and water and if you experience symptoms like a fever or pain -- or even itching, take acetaminophen or aspirin. If you are not sure what type of spider has bitten you, get medical attention as soon as possible. This can help to decrease some of the symptoms, especially if you were bitten by a poisonous spider.
Spider bites for the most part only cause minor symptoms that can be easily alleviated. By paying attention to your body and your symptoms, you can better determine if it is a minor bite or one that needs further medical attention.
