Spider Bite
Description
The majority of spider bites are harmless causing only local pain and swelling. Occasionally an allergic reaction can occur, and/or a local skin infection called cellulitis. Some spiders have more dangerous venom. Common venomous spiders in the United States include the black widow and the brown recluse.
Symptoms
Pain at the bite site, swelling, redness. Other symptoms are experienced if the offending spider was a black widow or brown recluse.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are generally not needed unless the spider was felt to be a black widow or brown recluse spider.
Treatment
Cleaning the wound site and treating any superimposed infection are the mainstay of treatment. For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
Related Videos
News
SPOKANE, Wash. - It's that time of year again, the ...
As agile as its panther namesake in The Jungle Book...
For those of you who are squeamish, have a phobia o...
With the approach of All Hallows Eve, we are bombar...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Spider bite?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.