Most spider bite symptoms are no different than any other insect bite, which is good news for those who have been bitten. A victim of a spider bite can expect some redness and itching around the bite area itself, and possibly some localized swelling and pain. First aid treatment for a minor spider bite would be the same for a bee sting or an ant attack. An ice pack should be applied to the area to reduce swelling, and oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will address the general pain and inflammation.
It is not always possible to determine exactly what kind of insect caused a painful bite, so it is not unusual for people to assume it was the work of a venomous spider such as a brown recluse or black widow. In reality, an estimated 98% of all spider bites either do not penetrate a human’s skin or inject any kind of venom. Spiders can decide if a bite will contain enough venom to kill a source of food or simply scare off a much larger interloper. Even most venomous spiders only issue “dry bites” on larger animals with no potential food value.
Other spider bite symptoms can be triggered by the same reactions some people experience with bee stings, a condition known as anaphylaxis. If a person is allergic to a spider’s venom, regardless of the volume, then he or she may have go into anaphylactic shock after a bite. These spider bite symptoms would include dizziness, hives, chest pains and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms get progressively worse, the bite victim should be taken to the nearest hospital for advanced treatment.
Only a few species of spiders have the ability to harm or even kill a human being. When these spiders inject their venom into a victim, the affected tissue will start to rot or necrotize. In the case of a brown recluse bite, a distinctive bulls eye pattern may appear, with a central reddish swelling surrounded by a lighter ring of infected tissue and a larger red ring. Although some deaths from spider bites have been reported, most victims respond to aggressive treatments which remove any necrotized skin and halt the progress of the spider’s venom.
If a spider bite is suspected and the victim appears to be going into shock or has involuntary muscle movements, an effort should be made to capture the spider or find its remains. Few hospitals have insect experts on staff, and identifying the offending species of spider can help medical professionals determine if a specific anti-venom would be required for treatment.