What Are the Symptoms of a Spider Bite?
WouterA spider’s bite can be very painful. If you suspect that you’ve been bitten by a spider, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. The most common signs of a spider bite are swelling, redness, and irritation. Those symptoms should subside in a day or two, but if they continue to bother you, you may need to seek medical attention.
While most insects don’t bite people, spiders are exceptions. They can sting or bite, but most never do.
While most spiders don’t eat humans, some species – especially the black widow, which can live in barns and basements – can cause painful cramps in the body. These cramps often include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and weakness. If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow, seek medical help.
Adults should take acetaminophen to relieve the symptoms of a spider bite. Children should avoid taking aspirin. However, adults should take a small amount of aspirin or antihistamine if they have symptoms that last more than 24 hours.
A spider’s venom is not as strong as human venom. Besides being able to kill or incapacitate prey, it contains a variety of enzymes that are used to liquidise the prey. The venom also contains allergenic factors, phospholipase D, and a translationally controlled tumor protein family of toxins.
The most obvious signs of a spider bite are swelling, pain, and redness. The swelling can be reduced by applying ice or a wet compress.
