Even though they might get a little bit of a bad rap, spiders can be pretty terrifying. While it’s true that they do a lot for the environment in terms of controlling other unwanted pests, they don’t necessarily make for the best critters to have around. Plus, if you get bitten by one, it’s tempting to panic, due to some horror stories you may have heard about spider bites.

Thankfully, though, most spider bites are relatively harmless. Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team explains below, so keep reading.

What Does a Spider Bite Look Like?

Honestly, it’s kind of tough to tell, unless you saw the spider bite you. The reason why is because most spider bites look like any other bite or sting—especially if you don’t feel pain when the initial bite happens. This means that there will often be skin redness, light swelling, pain around the area of the bite and itchiness.

If you saw or felt the spider bite you, don’t panic! Make sure the swelling is localized and consider the treatment options that we’ve listed below.

Ways to Treat Spider Bites at Home

• Clean the bite area with warm water and soap.
• Apply a cold, damp washcloth or an ice pack to the bite area.
• Elevate the bite area.
• Take an antihistamine (allergy medicine) to ease itching and swelling.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain and swelling.

How Can I Tell If I’ve Been Bitten by a Dangerous Spider?

Most spider bites aren’t a huge cause for concern, but some are. Black widow, brown recluse and hobo spiders all pack a potentially lethal punch, it’s important to know what kinds of symptoms these bites will cause.

When you’re bitten by a black widow, you’ll feel sharp pain right away, and your skin will react quickly. Two puncture marks can also be seen. You will most likely not feel a brown recluse bite at first. Eight hours after the bite, though, symptoms like as redness, pain and swelling appear, followed by the development of a red or purple ring resembling a target or bull’s-eye around the bite. Finally, hobo spider bites, which aren’t prevalent in the south, produce pain and numbness within 15 minutes.

Emergency Spider Bite Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations, a racing pulse or other heart problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe muscle pain, cramps, weakness or paralysis
• Signs of infection, such as fever or yellow discharge from the bite area
• Vision problems or severe headache

If you experience the symptoms we’ve listed above, visit an ER right away to get emergency care! Have other health issues? We’re here to care for all of your non-emergency needs, so don’t hesitate to visit our AFC team today.