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Spider Bites
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Spider Bites

While most spider bites are harmless, some can cause allergic reactions or, in the case of venomous species, require medical attention.

Overview

Though many people are afraid of spiders, they rarely bite people unless threatened. Most spider bites are harmless. Occasionally, spider bites can cause allergic reactions. Bites by the venomous black widow and brown recluse spiders can be very dangerous to people.

Symptoms and Treatment

If you are bitten by a spider, you may see a reaction similar to that of a bee sting, including redness, pain, and swelling at the site. To treat a spider bite:

  • Wash the area well with soap and water
  • Apply an ice pack or a wet compress to the area
  • Take over-the-counter pain medicine, if needed
  • Consider using antihistamines for severe swelling
  • Seek medical treatment for small children and adults with severe symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

brown recluse bite often develops a distinctive necrotic lesion that may look like a bullseye, with a central blister that turns blue or purple and eventually forms an open sore. Unlike most harmless bites that heal within a few days, a recluse bite can take weeks to heal and may require debridement. If you notice a wound that is not improving after 48 hours, or if you see a central area of tissue death, seek medical evaluation immediately.
While pain is the primary symptom of a black widow bite, emergency care is needed if you experience severe muscle cramps, abdominal rigidity, or difficulty breathing. Systemic symptoms such as high fever, chills, and profuse sweating can also indicate a severe envenomation. If the bite victim is a child, an elderly adult, or someone with heart disease, seek emergency care immediately because these groups are at higher risk for life-threatening complications.
Yes, if it is safe to do so, capturing the spider or taking a clear photo is highly recommended. This allows healthcare providers to identify the species accurately, which is critical for determining if antivenom is necessary. For black widow bites, antivenom is available and can significantly reduce pain and systemic symptoms, but it is only administered if the spider is identified or symptoms are severe. Do not attempt to capture a spider if it is still alive and aggressive, as this poses a risk of a second bite.
Most harmless spider bites resolve within 3 to 7 days with basic first aid. You should be concerned about infection if redness, swelling, or pain increases after the initial 48-hour period, or if you develop a fever. Signs of a secondary bacterial infection include pus drainage, red streaks extending from the bite site, or warm, hard skin around the wound. If these signs appear, contact your doctor for possible antibiotic treatment.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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