Fact Checked
Brown recluse spiders are also known as fiddleback or violin spiders and they have venom that is capable of causing severe injury or even death. These spiders are not aggressive but will still deliver a bite when unintentionally disturbed. The bites of brown recluse spiders are necrotizing which can cause the skin tissues to die. You can learn how to manage this type of spider bite by enrolling in a first aid class today.
Symptoms of brown recluse spider bites
- The bites of brown recluse spider cause pain and have cytotoxic properties which are toxic to cells once injected to the skin. The pain can be mild to severe and develops within 2-8 hours. The skin becomes red, swollen and itchy that can happen at the same time.
- The area that surrounds the bite of the brown recluse spider can sometimes turn white or blanches and forms a red-colored ring around the blanched area and the bite appears sunken and bluish. Oftentimes, some people develop a spreading pinpoint rash and within 48-72 hours, a blister will form and turns red and can burst. The bite will cause necrosis which is death of the tissue where the skin ulcerates and turns black after 3-4 days.
- The bites of brown recluse spiders sometimes cause a systemic reaction also known as loxoscelism. This complication develops within 48 hours after the bite. This can result to the destruction of the red blood cells or hemolysis. It can also cause jaundice along with other symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle pain, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.
Treatment and home remedies
Once an individual has been bitten by a spider, there are measures that you can carry out to help ease the discomfort before medical care can be provided.
- Apply a thin layer of medicated numbing spray on the affected areas since this will help minimize the discomfort caused by brown recluse spider bites.
- Apply a cold compress or an ice pack and elevate the affected area in order to minimize swelling.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines to help prevent potential allergic reactions.
- Seek medical help immediately if the bite is on the face or torso or in a less-dangerous location such as the arm or leg.
How to ward off brown recluse spiders
- Mix 5 tablespoons of peppermint or lavender soap, a quart of water and 5 tablespoons of peppermint or lavender essential oil in a 32 oz. spray bottle. Combine the mixture inside the spray bottle and spray on all corners of the house, baseboards and some other areas of the house where brown recluse spiders are likely to hide.
- Mix one drop of tea tree oil or citrus oil and 1 quart of water in a 16 oz. spray bottle. Shake the mixture inside and spray any brown recluse spider directly with the solution and also in different parts of the house such as the baseboards.