I Think I Got Bit by a Spider: What Should I Do?

The good news is that most spider bites aren’t dangerous. However, the bad news is that a few species can require medical attention immediately. And, if you live in Florida, there are five species to watch out for.

That’s why our team at Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates recommends taking these steps if you’re bitten by a spider.

1. Stay calm

Staying calm is usually the last thing a person wants to do when they’ve been bitten, especially by a spider. However, it’s essential to stop and take a breath.

Then, try to identify the spider that bit you, if you can do it safely. If you don’t recognize the species, try to preserve the spider for positive identification later, even by taking a photo with your phone.

Florida has five species of spiders that are considered venomous, including four types of widow spiders and one species of brown recluse.

The ability to positively identify the spider that bit you can ensure you get the best course of treatment immediately.

2. Perform first aid

Next, start basic first aid by washing the area with soap and water, but do not try to remove the venom.

Once you clean the site, apply ice or a cold, damp compress to the area to help reduce pain and swelling. Then, elevate the site. 

If you know your bite came from a venomous spider, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Otherwise, keep the cool compress in place for 15-60 minutes and watch for indications of a problem.

3. Recognize the signs of a problem

Regardless of whether you saw the spider that bit you, learning to spot the signs of an issue can ensure you get medical treatment when needed.

Symptoms of a spider bite can include:

• Redness, swelling, or blisters around the bite
• Darkening at the center of the bite
• Pain in the area within 2-8 hours
• Painful muscle cramps within hours of the bite
• A painful and firm belly
• Shaking, weakness, chills, or sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Restlessness or anxiety
• Headache 

Some insect bites can also cause a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. 

When this occurs, you may develop oral or facial swelling, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or wheezing, chest tightness, or problems breathing.

You should consider this a medical emergency and seek care immediately.

4. Contact an expert

Finally, and we can’t stress this enough, get medical attention immediately if you know you were bitten by a venomous spider, or you see any signs of a problem.

If you’re not sure whether the spider was venomous, play it safe and contact your doctor for guidance on what to do next. Even if a bite isn’t venomous, it could require antibiotics. Based on your symptoms, your doctor can recommend the best course of action. 

If you have an allergic reaction to an insect, our team recommends scheduling allergy testing to identify the cause of your symptoms.

Knowing you have an allergy to venom ensures you can take steps to protect yourself moving forward, including allergy medication or insect venom immunotherapy. 

Are you concerned about spider bites? Call our Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates  office in Tampa or Brandon, Florida, to schedule a consultation, or book online anytime.