Beware of Spider Bites!

Have you ever awoken to find a small, red, itchy bump somewhere on your body? You may have been at a loss as to what it was or how it got there, but one thing was likely – it itched like crazy! If that scenario sounds familiar, that red, itchy bump may have been a spider bite! Read on to find out how you can get relief from common spider bites – and avoid bites from more harmful spiders.

Have you ever awoken to find a small, red, itchy bump somewhere on your body (don’t worry - you don’t have to say where)? You may have been at a loss as to what it was or how it got there, but one thing was likely – it itched like crazy! Much worse than a mosquito bite, and believe me, as a native Minnesotan I know how itchy a mosquito-bite can be – we grow ‘em big up there in the North Country!

Anyway . . . if that scenario sounds familiar, that red, itchy bump may have been a spider bite!

For the most part, you have little to fear from the common spider bites you experience because other than the discomfort and itch, they are harmless. However, a threat does exist from two spiders – the Brown Recluse and the Black Widow. Because the bites from these two are extremely dangerous, it’s important to be vigilant and take them seriously.

Let’s take a closer look . . .

The Brown Recluse
The Brown Recluse spider can cause serious harm. This spider will not come after you; it is not at all aggressive. If it is trapped, however, it will bite. In 2001, a death was reported form the bite of a Recluse.

This spider is sometimes called the violin spider because of the mark on its upper back. These tend to live in warm, dry climates and hide in places that are not disturbed such as basements, closets, and attics.

The damage from a bite tends to be to local tissue. The symptoms may vary from person to person, but may include:
• Redness, pain, and itching at the site that may come on hours or days after the bite.
• A distinctive mark—blue or purple near the bite with a whitish outer ring and a red outer-outer ring. The mark tends to look like a bull’s eye
• Black ulcer or blister
• Head and body aches
• Rash
• Fever
• Nausea

If there’s any chance you’ve been bitten by a Brown Recluse, you should head to the doctor’s office to get yourself checked out. But in the meantime, you can take the following immediate actions:
• Wash with soap and water
• Apply a cold pack
• Apply antibiotic lotion or cream
• Take a pain reliever
• Prop the site of the bite up on a pillow

The Black Widow Spider
This spider resembles its name in that it is black, small and shiny with a red hourglass on its abdomen. It prefers warm climates, so watch out you South-lovers! The toxin this little creature releases can cause damage to the nervous system, so if you become bitten prompt treatment is vital.

Some symptoms seem to be common to all victims; however, there is variation depending on the individual. Such symptoms may include:
•  Pain, burning sensation, and swelling at the bite site. Two fang marks are sometimes visible.
• Cramping pain and rigid muscles
• Headache and dizziness
• Rash
• Nervousness and restlessness
• Sweating
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Nausea
• Salivation, tearing
• Paralysis of the legs and weakness and tremors

Again, if you are bitten by this spider, don’t waste time - head to the hospital for treatment. You may also do the following for relief in the interim:
• Wash the bite area
• Apply a cold pack
• Apply topical antibiotic
• Take a pain reliever

Natural Medicines

These natural options may help relieve the symptoms of common spider bites; however, they should not be substituted for immediate emergency treatment in the case of poisonous spider bites:

• Aconitum napellus: for the reduction of fearfulness and panic. Should be used immediately.
• Apis mellifica: may be helpful to reduce swelling and heat.
• Cantharis: may reduce intense burning pain.
• Carbolicum acidum. for first-aid while emergency help is being obtained.
• Hypericum: soothes pain and numbness.
• Ledum palustre: for the swelling that occurs in a wide area around the bite.
• Urtica urens: eases itching.

While most spider bites aren’t much more than an inconvenience, it’s important to be aware of the ones that pose a threat to your health. With the above information you’ll be extra-prepared in case you encounter one of the nasty kinds!