How a Spider Bite looks

Spider bites are not common. Most spider bites do not cause serious problems. There are only a few types of spider bites that can cause serious health problems.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicine

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were given an antibiotic medicine, take or apply it as told by your doctor. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.

General instructions

• Do not scratch the bite area.
• Keep the bite area clean and dry. Wash the bite area with soap and water every day as told by your doctor.
• If directed, apply ice to the bite area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Raise (elevate) the affected area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down, if this is possible.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your bite does not get better after 3 days.
• Your bite turns black or purple.
• Near the bite, you have:
  • Redness.
  • Swelling (inflammation).
  • Pain that is getting worse.

Get help right away if:

• You get shortness of breath or chest pain.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from the bite area.
• You have muscle cramps or painful muscle spasms.
• You have stomach (abdominal) pain.
• You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous) or you throw up (vomit).
• You feel more tired or sleepy than you normally do.