Natural Remedies for Spider Bites

Overview

Spider bites can cause pain and scary-looking sores, but in many cases, are not dangerous to the health. Bites from black widow and brown recluse spiders may cause serious harm in some people and may require professional medical care and anti-venom medications. Watch for symptoms such as muscle cramping, blistering sores around the bite mark, nausea, breathing difficulties and chills if you or a family member has been bitten by a spider. These signs may indicate a moderate to high level of poisoning that should be treated immediately. Spider bites that do not cause serious harm can be treated with natural remedies.

Step 1

Wash the spider bite with water and a mild soap. Use a soft washcloth that will not irritate the skin.

Step 2

Apply an ice pack or cool compress to the spider bite to ease the pain. Ice packs can be used as much as needed until the pain subsides.

Step 3

Care for the wound created by a brown recluse spider by soaking the area in saltwater three times each day. Add 1 tsp. table salt to 1 liter of water that has been boiled (and cooled) for sterilization. Pat dry and cover with a fresh bandage after each soak. If you do not know what type of spider has bitten you, have the wound examined by a doctor before using saltwater to cleanse the wound.

Step 4

Elevate the area of the body where you have been bitten. Elevating the wound helps slow the spread of the spider's venom into the bloodstream.

Step 5

Use pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve minor aches and pains that you may encounter after experiencing a spider bite.