WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
The brown recluse spider, sometimes called a ""fiddle
back'' spider, is light tan to dark brown in color and has a
dark violin-shaped mark on its back. It is about the size of a
quarter; walks on long, thin legs; and hides in dark, dry, warm
places like a closet or woodpile. When it gets trapped under
bed sheets or in your clothing, it can deliver a serious
bite.
Signs/Symptoms
You're likely to suffer itching,
redness, rash, blister, pain, or swelling in the area of skin
where you were bitten. You may also become nauseated; vomit;
perspire; and develop a headache, chills, or
fever.
Care
Unless the bite area gets worse
or other symptoms arise, follow the directions below. You may
also need medicine for an infection, pain, swelling, or
itching.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Wash the skin where you were bitten with soap and
water.
-
Apply an ice pack or cool compress several times a
day for 24 to 48 hours. To help reduce redness and
swelling, keep the bite area raised above the level of your
heart. DO NOT use heat.
-
Soak the area daily in Burow's solution (available in
drug stores without a prescription).
-
Do not scratch the bite area. Keep it clean and
covered with an adhesive or sterile gauze
bandage.
-
To avoid another spider bite:
-
Remove wood piles and other rubbish from outside
areas.
-
Thoroughly clean closets, sheds, and
attics.
-
Wear gloves, shoes, and long sleeves and pants when
doing such chores.
-
Shake out clothing (especially old clothing) and
shoes before putting them on.
-
Look for spiders under the sheets before getting
into bed.
-
To frighten spiders away, make noise when entering
attics or other spaces where they may be
living.
-
Chemical pest control may be necessary. However, it
doesn't always work.
-
If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may
get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the
injection. This is a normal response to the medicine in the
shot.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your symptoms do not improve in a few
hours.
-
You have increasing pain to the bite area (even
though it may not look worse).
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
The bite area appears to be getting bigger (more than
1/4 inch) or growing deeper.
-
You have a high temperature; chills; nausea;
vomiting; muscle aches; weakness; extreme tiredness;
seizures; or a measles-like or red, raised
rash.
-
You have blood in your urine or any other unusual
bleeding.
-
Your skin turns yellow.
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