spider bite

by julie
(columbus ohio)

I was bit by a bug (spider) two days ago. The site is bright red and itches and has grown each day. However there is little or no pain. I have no other symptoms other than a large red blotch on my stomach. When do you go into the doctor for this and when do you stick with the topical treatments? I am relatively healthy and not taking any drugs. I don't smoke and hardly drink. I have tried topical treatment for this.

Spider Bites and treatment

Spider bites can be nasty and you are right to question when you should seek medical advice. I always advise early review as it can help to shorten the illness and also make sure that you are being treated correctly.

There are 3 issues with spider bites. The first is the venom that some spiders can deposit and these can be both irritant of cause tissue damage. The second is the bite its causing a localised immune reaction with redness and tissue swelling with associated pain and sometimes fever. The third issue is allowing a secondary infection into the wound and this can result in increased redness, pain and swelling.

You have allowed 2 days to pass and your bite is getting worse. This may mean you have developed a secondary infection in it and this will need treating with antibiotics. You may also benefit from an antihistamine to help reduce the redness and swelling.

I would suggest you seek medical help to get this sorted out.

Good luck!




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