Dealing with Spider Bites: What You Need to Know

Date: Jul-13-2016 Spider bites are often annoying and sometimes dangerous. It can be tough for people to be certain that it was a spider that bit them, however. Though there are thousands of species of spiders in the world, there are very few which can harm humans.

This article will cover the reasons spiders bite, signs to look out for, and treatment options for a spider bite. It will also take a look at things that are often mistaken for a spider bite, and give tips on how to prevent a spider bite.

Contents of this article:

Why do spiders bite?

Symptoms of a spider bite

Treating a spider bite

Preventing spider bites

Why do spiders bite?

Spider bites are actually quite rare. Spiders are not bloodsucking creatures and do not feed on humans. Many species' fangs cannot even pierce human skin. Luckily, most spider venom is not made to kill large prey like a fully grown human.

Spider bites are quite rare. Few spiders have venom that is strong enough to harm humans.

The only reason a spider would bite a human is defense. Spiders will bite when they are surprised or feel trapped. Quickly putting a hand or foot into a place where a spider lives, like a shoe or box, may surprise the spider and cause it to attack. A spider may also attack if they are trapped, such as in a jacket that does not get much use.

Are spider bites venomous?

All spiders use venom to kill their prey. As such, all spiders are venomous. Thankfully, humans are much larger than their typical prey. The venom of many of the spiders that bite people does nothing more than an average insect bite.

However, there are a handful of spider species that produce venom strong enough to harm humans. Of the spiders considered dangerous to humans, the two most common are widow spiders and recluse spiders. Though there are many diagnoses of these spider bites, they do not actually happen very often.

Symptoms of a spider bite

There are not many distinct features that are only linked with a spider bite. Spider bites look similar to many other bug bites.

The skin around the bite may swell. People may experience an itching or burning sensation, and may even feel a numbness or tingling sensation around the wound.

Symptoms may be more intense In the case of having been bitten by a poisonous spider, such as a widow or a recluse.

Symptoms of a poisonous spider bite include:

Muscle spasms

Stiffness or joint pain

Intense pain around the site of the wound

Fever or chills

Difficulty breathing

Excessive sweating

Stomach pain

Nausea or vomiting

An ulcerated wound or tissue death surrounding the bite

In rare cases, spider bites can cause an allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. This comes with its own side effects, including:

Severe itching, swelling, or redness

A rash or hives

Difficulty breathing or a wheezing cough

Stomach cramps

Rapid swelling of the tongue, lips, eyes, or throat

Loss of consciousness

When to call a doctor

People who experience the symptoms of anaphylactic shock should go to the emergency room. Severe allergic reactions need to be treated quickly.

If someone has been bitten by a venomous spider, they should also see a doctor immediately if they experience any of the following:

Severe pain

Abdominal cramping

Breathing problems

If someone is unsure if the spider they were bitten by is venomous, they should contact their doctor to be sure. Proper diagnosis can lead to proper treatment and reduce recovery time.

Other things that look like a spider bite

There are many misdiagnoses of spider bites worldwide. One study pointed to the fact that there are many cases of supposed spider bites in areas where the spiders do not exist.

Poison oak can cause similar symptoms to a spider bite.

Data were collected on brown recluse spider bites from four states in the United States. In a 41-month period, there was a total of 216 diagnoses of brown recluse spider bites. However, the total number of confirmed brown recluse sightings was only 35.

People often point to the presence of wounds with dying tissue when diagnosing a venomous spider bite. In fact, there are many things that can cause tissue to die. More often than not, these misdiagnosed spider bites are caused by other problems.

Infected bites from insects like ticks, mites, and fleas can cause similar wounds, as can:

Shingles

Poison ivy and poison oak

Lyme disease

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Treating a spider bite

If someone has been bitten by a spider, there are some steps that can be taken to avoid infection and help the bite heal.

People should avoid scratching a bite if it is itchy as this can lead to infection. People should call their doctor if any signs of infection appear. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Spider bite first aid

Clean the area well with water and a mild soap. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to spider bites can help reduce swelling and numb any mild pain. If possible, raise the bitten part of the body above the heart.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen may provide pain relief. People may also experience symptom relief from using antihistamines. Avoid physical activity, as this can make the venom spread more rapidly through the body.

Could potatoes help spider bites to heal quicker?

People should contact their doctor to be diagnosed if they are uncertain about the kind of spider that bit them. If symptoms last longer than 24 hours or get worse after 24 hours, they should also contact their doctor.

Home remedies for spider bites

Symptoms from non-dangerous spider bites usually go away on their own. There are many remedies for bites to try at home, but the effects of these are currently unproven.

Baking soda

Baking soda is one home remedy for spider bites. The same properties that draw odors to baking soda in the fridge can help draw spider venom to the baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and rub it gently onto the spider bite. After 5 minutes, rinse the mixture off. Repeat every few hours as needed.

Potatoes

The use of starchy potatoes to treat a spider bite could reduce itching and inflammation. Grate a potato with a metal grater. Place a pinch of the wet shreds in thin cheesecloth and tie it off.

After cleaning the bite, add the poultice to the wound, leaving it until the potato shreds seem dry. Discard the potato shreds and rinse the area. Repeat the process until the symptoms are relieved.

Preventing spider bites

If living in an area with spiders, people should take precautions to avoid being bitten. Always zip up tents when camping and wear pants when hiking in areas where spiders are more common. Turning shoes upside down and tapping them on the ground can shake out even the most stubborn spiders.

Always check before reaching into boxes or in areas that are generally undisturbed. These are the places spiders like to call home. Making prevention a practice can help greatly reduce the chances of receiving a bite.

Written by Jon Johnson

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.