While the wound may be painful or itchy, most spider bites are harmless and can be easily treated at home. This article will guide you through the care and treatment of spider bites, and provide detailed information on the four types of insect bites around the world that require emergency medical care.
Step
Method 1 of 4: A harmless spider bite
Step 1. Try to identify the spider that bit you
Most spiders are harmless - in fact, many spider bites are simply insect bites that are easy to treat. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a dangerous type of spider, read the information below to find out for sure which type of spider bit you and provide proper first aid. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify the spider that bit you, but knowing the species can really help your doctor determine the treatment you need.
- Try to save the body parts of the spider that bit you. Even if the body has been destroyed, rub a little alcohol to preserve the body.
- If you can't find the spider, clean the wound immediately and observe the bite mark.
Step 2. Wash the bite wound with soapy water
The soapy water will clean the wound and prevent infection.
Step 3. Apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack
This will relieve the pain from the bite and treat the swelling of the scar.
Step 4. Raise the bitten body part
This will help reduce inflammation and swelling.
Step 5. Relieve minor pain symptoms by using Aspirin or Paracetamol (Panadol)
Children or adolescents who are recovering from smallpox or suffering from flu symptoms should not take aspirin.
Step 6. Observe the bite wound for the next 24 hours to make sure the symptoms don't get worse
Within a few days, the swelling and pain will subside. Call your doctor if your symptoms don't get better.
Step 7. Know when you should see a doctor
In some cases, a single bite from a harmless spider can cause an allergic reaction. Go to the emergency department immediately if the person bitten by a spider shows any of the following reactions:
- Hard to breath
- Nauseous
- Muscle cramp
- Open wound
- Narrowing of the throat making it difficult to swallow
- Sweat a lot
- Feeling weak
Method 2 of 4: Black Widow or Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Step 1. Get to know the spider
Black widow and brown recluse are two types of spiders that are dangerous in the United States. They live in warm, dark, dry areas such as cupboards and wood piles. Here's what to watch out for:
- Black widows is a large, shiny spider with a red hourglass shape on its belly. They can be found in North America. The bite feels like a pin prick, and the area around the bite will be red and swollen. Within half to a few hours, the wound will be very painful and stiff. Severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever or chills may also occur. Black Widow bites are usually not fatal for adults, and there are anti-venoms that can be used to treat the symptoms.
- Spider Brown recluse can have varying shades of brown, but they have the hind end of the body that is shaped like a violin, and long, thin legs. The bite was stinging at first and deepened into intense pain over the next eight hours. The watery bite wound will turn into a wide open wound, and permanent tissue damage will form with a blue and red coloration around the bite wound. Other symptoms of this type of spider bite are fever, red spots and nausea. These spiders can cause scars but have never caused death in the United States. There is no anti-venom, but the scar treatment can be done through surgery and antibiotics.
Step 2. Go to the doctor immediately
Seek professional help for these spider bites. Move as little as possible to stop the poison from spreading.
Step 3. Clean the scar well
This will help prevent infection.
Step 4. Give the ice pack
This will help prevent the spread of toxins and reduce swelling.
Step 5. Inhibit the spread of poison
If you were bitten on an arm or leg, elevate the bitten body and tie a bandage over the bitten area. Be careful not to stop the blood circulation.
Method 3 of 4: Spider Bite Sydney Funnel-Web
Step 1. Get to know the spider
Spiders' Sydney funnel web a highly aggressive tarantula resembling a shiny tarantula and can be found in the dark and humid environments of Australia. This spider bite requires immediate medical attention because the symptoms of poisoning it causes develop very quickly. At first, a very painful bite will cause inflammation or small blisters, but the sufferer will sweat, experience facial twitches, and feel itchy around the mouth. Anti-venom spider is there and should be given to the hospital as soon as possible.
Step 2. Call the emergency department immediately
Step 3. Wrap and cover the bitten part
Use a cloth or elastic bandage to block the flow of poison.
Step 4. Do not allow the patient to move
This is important to reduce the circulation of toxins in the body until you get medical treatment.
Method 4 of 4: Brazilian Wandering Spider Bite
Step 1. Get to know the spider
The Brazilian Wandering spider is a large spider. This aggressive nocturnal spider is found in South America. They don't make webs, and roam around during the day, and can be found in piles of bananas or hiding in dark areas. The bite will cause swelling and pain that radiates to the trunk, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hypertension, difficulty breathing and in men, causing an erection. There are anti-venom that can be used to reduce the symptoms, this spider bite rarely causes death.
Step 2. Call a doctor immediately
Getting treatment as soon as possible is very important, especially for children.
Step 3. Clean the wound with warm water which will help prevent infection
Step 4. Apply a warm compress to the wound
This will increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Step 5. Try to stop the spread of the poison
Elevate the part of the body that was bitten and move as little as possible to prevent the venom from spreading.
Tips
- Make a house divider to prevent spiders from entering the house.
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET to repel spiders. *Clean your house regularly - most spiders like dark, undisturbed environments.
- Shake your old unused clothes or shoes on the floor or in your closet before you put them on.
- Slide the bed away from corners and walls to prevent spiders from nesting in the fabric.
- Shake the spider off your skin - as hitting it will only put it in a biting position.
- Wear gloves and tuck your pants into your socks if you work in basements, outdoors, or any place where spiders live.
