Spider bites are not considered dangerous but there are certain species that warrant medical attention. Even though not as common as bites or stings from ants, bees and hornets, it is essential that you are ready to care for spider bites.
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Indications of spider bites
It is surprising to note that most cases of spider bites are not painful. It usually feels similar to a pinprick and often left unnoticed when a spider actually bites. The typical symptoms include a single bite mark with the following:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Pain
Generally, most spider bites are strikingly similar to a bee sting.
Generally, most spider bites are strikingly similar to a bee sting. The child or adult might also develop hives and other allergy symptoms if he/she is sensitive or allergic to the bite.
The symptoms of a bite from a black widow spider might also include severe muscle pain and cramping that can develop within a few hours after the bite. The other symptoms might include vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and high blood pressure.
As for bites from the brown recluse spider, they can be painful. Aside from the pain, the spider bites might trigger itchiness and burning sensation. A distinctive symptom is the bull’s eye mark with a red ring around a white center that turns into an ulcer.
Management
In most cases of spider bites, there are simple home treatments that can be carried out such as the following:
- Cleanse or wash the bite site using water and soap
- Apply an ice pack on the bite site for about 20 minutes
- Provide the child with pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment on the bite site 2-3 times a day
- Dab on a topical steroid cream to reduce the itchiness and redness a few times throughout the day
These home treatments can be performed for 1-2 days which is the usual time it takes for spider bites to subside. It is vital to seek medical care if a child is suspected to be bitten by a black widow spider or brown recluse spider.
Important considerations to bear in mind
- Children might need a tetanus shot after being bit by a spider.
- Spiders typically bite once, thus if a child sustained several bites, it is not likely a spider.
- Children should be instructed to avoid spiders by moving out clothing and shoes on the floor and avoid packing boxes or other objects on the floor or below the bed.