Diagnosis
Spider bites can be mistaken for early clamber sores that are crimson, atrocious or well. many skin sores attributed to spider bites turn out to have been caused by bites from other bugs, such as ants, fleas, mites, mosquitoes and biting flies. Skin infections and other hide conditions, even burns, can be mistaken for spider bites .
Your sophisticate will likely diagnose a spider pungency based on your history and your signs and symptoms. The process might involve determining whether anyone saw a spider bite you, having an technical identify the spider, and ruling out other potential causes of the signs and symptoms .
Black widow identification
Black widow spider
Black widow spider
The black widow spider is known for the bolshevik hourglass marking on its belly .
Some clues for identifying black widow spiders include :
- Shiny black body with long legs
- Red hourglass shape on the belly
- Length of entire body, including legs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across
Brown recluse identification
Brown recluse spider
Brown recluse spider
The brown hermit spider is known for the violin-shaped scar on its top .
Some clues for identifying brown hermit spiders include :
- Golden or dark brown body with long legs
- Dark violin shape on top of the leg attachment segment
- Six eyes — a pair in front and a pair on both sides — rather than the usual spider pattern of eight eyes in two rows of four
- Central body is about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) across
Treatment
Most spider bites normally heal on their own in about a workweek. A morsel from a recluse spider takes longer to heal and sometimes leaves a scar .
First-aid treatment for spider bites includes the postdate steps :
- Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment three times a day to help prevent infection.
- Apply a cool compress over the bite for 15 minutes each hour. Use a clean cloth dampened with water or filled with ice. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
- If possible, elevate the affected area.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.
- If the affected area is itchy, an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or certirizine (Zyrtec), might help.
- Observe the bite for signs of worsening or infection. You might need antibiotics if the bite develops into an open wound or becomes infected.
For pain and muscle spasms, your doctor of the church might prescribe pain medicine, muscle relaxants or both. You might besides need a tetanus changeable .
Black widow antivenom
If a black widow bite is causing severe pain or dangerous symptoms, your doctor might recommend antivenom, which is normally given through a vein ( intravenously ). Symptoms normally ease within about 30 minutes of receiving the antivenom. Antivenom can cause serious allergic reactions, so it must be used with caution .
Preparing for your appointment
If you ‘ve been bitten by a spider that you suspect is dangerous, call your basal care sophisticate or go to an pressing caution center. If your doctor has on-line services, an option may be to email a photograph of the spider to your doctor.
What you can do
To help your sophisticate understand your symptoms and how they might relate to a spider pungency :
- Bring the spider or a photo of the spider with you, if you can do so safely
- List any symptoms you’re experiencing
- List questions to ask your doctor
Some basic questions you might want to ask include :
- Is this a dangerous spider bite?
- If this isn’t a spider bite, what are possible causes for my symptoms?
- Do I need any tests?
- How long will my symptoms last?
- What is the best course of action?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is probable to ask you a number of questions. Being quick to answer them might reserve clock to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor might ask :
- When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
- What were you doing in the hours before your symptoms started?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse?
- Does anything relieve your symptoms or make them worse?
