What a poisonous spider bite looks like and what to do in this case: basic tips
Spiders do not hunt people. The main food of these predators is small insects. At the same time, spider venom is very painful and can be fatal. How to recognize a spider bite and what to do in this case?
SSPDaily, there are 3,500 species of these insects in the United States, and only 2 of them are poisonous. These are the black widow and the brown recluse. Both live in the South, mainly in the states of Mississippi and Georgia.
According to experts, the bite of a common spider is not dangerous and looks like a small itchy red spot. However, if you are bitten by a black widow, the symptoms will be as follows: redness, pain, and a lump that can spread to the abdomen, back, or chest. You may also experience abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, or sweating.
If you are a victim of the brown recluse, you will experience the following:
- Severe pain for the first eight hours.
- Fever, chills, and body aches.
- The wound will look like a spot with a pale center and a dark blue or purple-red ring around it.
- Over time, the bite site may turn into an ulcer.
Do I need to see a doctor?
If you are attacked by a poisonous spider, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you are not sure if the bite is dangerous and you are experiencing severe pain and breathing or swallowing problems, go to a medical facility.
How to help yourself
If you think you can handle a spider bite on your own, here are some tips on what to do:
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bite for 10 minutes.
- Elevate the bite area if possible to reduce swelling.
- Take an antihistamine pill.
- Disinfect the bite area with soap and water.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
