First Aid For
Spider Bites

Here is your first aid for spider bites guide. Most spider bites are harmless and cause only a mild irritation.

However people can have allergic reactions and bites from the Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders can be serious and even life threatening.

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Symptoms of a Black Widow or Brown Recluse Spider Bite

• "Bulls Eye Bite". A Deep purple or blue area around the bite surrounded by a white ring surrounded by a larger red ring
• Rash that spreads over the body
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Stiffness and pain in the joints
• Muscle stiffness, twitching, spasms or tightness
• Pink or reddish urine
• Headache
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• General feeling of illness

First Aid for Spider Bites

• Determine that the patient does not have any of the above symptoms
• Remove any stinger that might have been left behind. Drag the edge of a credit card over the bite to loosen the stinger. Avoid using tweezers you can accidentally squeeze the venom sac and release more venom into the body
• Wash the bite with soap and water
• Place ice packs on the bite. 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Repeat as needed
• Use an antihistamine ointment if you feel it is needed
• Monitor the patient for the next few days for signs of infection

First Aid for major spider bites - these include poisonous bites such as Black Widows and the Brown Recluse as well as bites that cause allergic reactions

• If the patient shows any of the symptoms of a Black Widow or Brown Recluse bite get to a hospital immediately
• If possible collect the spider that caused the bite for identification
• If the patient shows signs of an allergic reaction call 911 immediately (signs can include shortness of breath, swelling of the face, difficulty swallowing or breathing, nausea and vomiting)
• While waiting for help to arrive check the patient's breathing. If they are not breathing and there is no sign of a pulse begin cpr. If the patient is under the age of one begin infant cpr.
• Remove rings and restrictive clothing in case of swelling
• Use an EpiPen if available
• If patient shows signs of shock (symptoms include sweating, pale complexion, bluish lips and fingernails and shallow breathing). Lie them down and elevate their feet 12 inches
• Remain with the patient until help arrives
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet
• DO NOT give the patient stimulants including aspirin or other pain medications unless instructed to do so by your doctor