Fact Checked
The brown recluse spider has venom that causes serious injury and even death. The brown recluse spider is not an aggressive spider but will bite when they are accidentally disturbed. Their bites are necrotizing which causes dying of the skin. These spiders can be found in dry, secluded areas such as under logs or piles of rocks and leaves.
Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite
- Stinging and redness in the bite site
- Pain that ranges from mild to severe that usually develops within 2-8 hours
- Formation of blisters and ulcers
Pain that ranges from mild to severe that usually develops within 2-8 hours. - When the venom spreads, the affected area turns purplish and swollen
- The bite site becomes puffy or hard
- When the bite becomes white, a red ring develops around it.
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Severe itching at bite site
- Development of rashes
- Generalized discomfort and sweating
Treatment
- Wash the affected area using mild soap and cool water.
- Elevate the bite site if it is an arm or a leg above the level of the heart to lessen the inflammation.
- Tie a bandage above the bite site to slow down the spread of venom in the bloodstream. Avoid tying it too tightly to prevent any disruption in the blood circulation in the area.
- Apply a cold pack or compress on the brown recluse spider bite to lessen the swelling and pain for at least 10 minutes. Avoid applying an ice pack directly on the skin to prevent frostbite.
- Avoid performing any strenuous activities to minimize the fast spread of venom in the skin.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to lessen the pain and corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation.
Tips
- Avoid applying heat on the affected area to prevent damaging of the tissues.
- Do not attempt to remove the venom of the spider using suction devices or cutting the affected tissue.
- Do not apply hydrocortisone cream on the bite site.
- Do not apply a tourniquet on the limb with the brown recluse spider bite.
Prevention
- Minimize clutter in attics, garages and basements
- Perform regular and thorough cleaning of the house
- Clean the window shutters thoroughly.
- Install tight-fitting screens for the windows and door sweeps.
- Seek the help of professional pest elimination.
- Remove all building materials, firewood and other debris from the foundation of the house.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on – is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage brown recluse spider bite by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.