Many people are scared of spiders, but most spiders are harmless and want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. The majority of spiders are not venomous, and most spiders’ fangs aren’t even strong enough to puncture human skin. When spiders do bite, it is usually because they have been threatened or disturbed. While spider bites are not as common as you may think, they can still have serious consequences. Being able to identify the signs of a spider bite can help you know what to do if you are ever bitten.
While nonvenomous and venomous spider bites may sometimes share symptoms, such as skin redness and swelling, the latter requires medical attention while the former typically does not (unless your symptoms persist for more than a few days). Venomous spiders, such as brown recluses, have bites that can lead to serious infection and skin damage. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a venomous spider, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, as these bites cannot be treated at home. By being able to identify the following seven signs of spider bites, you will be prepared if you are ever bitten by a spider.
1. Skin Redness
Skin redness is a common symptom of spider bites, including those of venomous spiders such as black widows and brown recluses. Since it is possible that you won’t notice a spider bite right away, skin redness is usually one of the first clues that you were bitten. This redness is typically accompanied by other symptoms. While redness is not the most serious symptom of a spider bite, you should still monitor the afflicted area to make sure that it goes away in a few days.
To keep track of the size of the irritated patch of skin, you can use a marker to circle the spot so that you can watch to see if the redness spreads beyond the initial area. If this symptom persists for more than a few days, you should see a doctor before it gets any worse. Without identifying the spider that bit you, you can’t be certain that the bite isn’t serious, so monitoring redness from a spider bite is necessary in case you might need medical aid. A patch of red skin may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to spiders, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
2. Blisters
A painful symptom of a spider bite is a blister. Blisters that appear red or purple in color are caused by certain spider bites, including those of the brown recluse. If you suspect that you were bitten by a nonvenomous spider, you can treat a blister at home with antibiotic ointment. Most of these blisters will heal on their own in a month or two. Do not pick at them or you’ll risk inflammation, infection, or scarring. Blisters that result in bites from venomous spiders, such as brown recluses, black widows, and hobo spiders require medical attention from a doctor.
3. Small Bump
One of the hardest symptoms to diagnose are small bumps that form on your skin because they could have many different causes. Some small bumps are caused by spider bites and can be identified by the way they look. A line of three red bumps on your skin is usually a common sign that you were bitten by a spider. You should keep the area clean by using antibacterial soap and resist from picking at the bumps, which will heal on their own. If they persist or even become worse after a few days, you should go to the doctor.
4. Pimples
There are some spider bites that look like pimples, which may lead you to believe that they aren’t actually bites. However, the bite of the venomous brown recluse spider looks like a pimple, and you should not try to squeeze or pop it. The skin around the bite is usually red, tender, and painful to the touch. The most serious of brown recluse bites can lead to skin necrosis, in which your skin turns black and starts to rot, so if you suspect that your pimple may actually be a brown recluse spider bite, you should seek medical attention immediately.
5. Itching
Itching is one of the more frustrating symptoms of a spider bite and is usually accompanied by other symptoms, including skin redness and small bumps. No matter how strong the itchy feeling is, you must resist from scratching the afflicted area, as this could irritate your skin even more and lead to inflammation or infection if you break the skin. You can treat this symptom with an antihistamine while you wait for it to subside completely. Sometimes, itching is a symptom of bites of venomous spiders, such as tarantulas. If your itching and other symptoms continue for more than a few days, seek medical attention from a doctor.
6. Swelling
Swelling is usually a painful indicator that you were bitten by a spider. If you suspect that you were bitten by a nonvenomous spider, you can elevate the affected area to provide relief from the pressure as the bite heals. This symptom may also result from the painful bites of venomous spiders such as tarantulas, camel spiders, and wolf spiders, which will require medical attention. The skin around the bite may be red, tender, and sore, but you shouldn’t touch it. Swelling is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as inflammation and itching, and in some severe cases, nausea, vomiting, and intense bleeding.
7. Skin Rash
While skin rashes can be caused by many different things, they are sometimes a symptom of a spider bite, especially when present with other symptoms. Skin rashes are usually accompanied by sore and tender skin. Some skin rashes may result from the bite of a brown recluse or tarantula. If accompanied by other symptoms, including nausea, trouble breathing, or eyelid puffiness, you should seek medical attention immediately. If the skin rash is from a nonvenomous spider bite, it will heal on its own, but you should resist scratching it or you will irritate your skin and may even cause an infection.
