The symptoms of spider bites can be diverse and vary in severity depending on the type of spider, location of bite and an individual's immune response to the venom. Spiders bites, whether they come from venomous or non-venomous spiders, can have similar symptoms. Spider bites can have serious consequences including pain, infection, amputation and even death. It is important to identify a spider bite quickly by its symptoms and take appropriate medical action.
Wound Appearance
The wound appearance may vary, depending on the type of bite. The bite site itself may show a raised lump surrounded by radiating red-colored skin. The lump may be white, red, purple or flesh colored and may look or feel as if it is filled with pus. The skin around the bite may be tight, hot, swollen and painful.
Minor Symptoms
Minor symptoms of spider bites are quite general and non-specific and are usually coupled with some skin abnormality resulting from the bite. Not all spiders leave a visible mark or identifiable pain during the bite itself. Minor symptoms include rash, muscle cramping, increased perspiration and general uneasiness. If a clustering of symptoms appears, a spider bite may be the likely cause.
Major Symptoms
Major symptoms of a spider bite include fever and chills, vomiting, nausea, headache, anxiety and high blood pressure. There is quite a bit of variability in terms of symptom severity. These symptoms may occur with minor symptoms or appear on their own. The symptoms of spider bites can be just as dangerous as the venom form the bite itself. Do not hesitate to have your spider bite symptoms examined by a medical professional; their effects can be painful, lingering and life threatening.
Venomous Spider Bite Symptoms
Some spiders have extremely potent venom that can cause other, more serious symptoms. Venomous spiders, like the Brown Recluse can strike silently with a virtually pain-free bite. It is only the tell-tale symptom of gangrene around of wound the within a few hours that is a hallmark of the spider. Other spiders with highly potent venom, like the Black Widow or Hobo Spider, induce other symptoms like severe chest or abdominal pain. Reviewing what the most dangerous spiders look will allow you to identify and avoid them; knowing which spider you were bitten by will help doctors treat the bite appropriately.
