Overview
What Are Spider Bites?
Spider bites happen when a spider bites someone’s skin. Most spider bites don’t go all the way through skin, so they usually cause only mild reactions. But a bite from a black widow spider or brown recluse spider can cause serious reactions and needs medical care right away. Allergic reactions to spider bites can happen but are rare.
Signs & Symptoms
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Spider Bite?
The signs and symptoms of a spider bite depend on the type of spider and whether the person has a spider bite allergy.
Brown Recluse Spider Bites
- swelling or redness around the bite
- pain around the bite within 2–8 hours
- blisters around the bite
- rarely, chills, fever, nausea, rash, body aches, and dark urine (pee)
- some bites can become dark in the center
Black Widow Spider Bites
- either no visible bite or very mild pain at the bite
- painful muscle cramps starting a few hours after the bite
- a firm and painful belly
- nausea and vomiting
- shakiness and weakness
- sweating
- headache
- rarely, trouble breathing
Allergic Reactions to Spider Bites
- swelling of the face or mouth
- trouble swallowing or speaking
- chest tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing
If someone in your family might have a bite from a brown recluse spider or black widow spider, visit the National Poison Control Center online or call 800-222-1222. Because spider bites contain venom, which is a type of poison, poison control is an expert resource. It’s available for free, 24 hours a day.
Prevention
What Can Help Prevent Spider Bites?
- Be careful in garages and attics and around woodpiles. Make sure they are free of spider webs.
- Wear gloves when gardening, cleaning out the garage, or working in outdoor spaces such as woodpiles.
- Dress kids in long sleeves and pants when they’re active around garages, attics, woodpiles, etc.
- Keep firewood outside the house to avoid bringing spiders inside.
- Shake out shoes and gardening gloves stored in a garage, shed, basement, attic, or mudroom before putting them on.
Treatment & Care
How is a Spider Bite Treated?
If your child has been bitten by a spider:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Put an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel or a cool wet cloth on the bite area to relieve pain and swelling.
- Watch for redness, swelling, or other signs of the bite getting worse or infected.
- Call the doctor to make sure your child is up to date on their tetanus vaccine.
When Should I Get Medical Care Right Away?
If you think your child was bitten by a brown recluse spider or black widow spider, see a doctor right away even if there are no symptoms. Early treatment can help ease symptoms.
Also call the doctor if your child:
- has any signs of an allergic reaction
- develops any kind of rash after a bite
- has severe pain or cramping
- develops signs of an infection (increasing redness, pain, swelling, warmth, or pus)
