Plus, its pretty difficult to identifywhat, exactly, bit you unless you see it in action.
This can be especially confusing when the weather is still mild enough to expect bites from pesky critters likemosquitoesandticks.
That said, there might be a few signs that youre dealing with a spider bite specifically.
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Here are the symptoms to keep on your radar, plus when you should consider seeing a doctor.
But lets say youreprettypositive you have a spider bite, and youre feeling a bit unsettled by that possibility.
Sometimes these are visible, and sometimes theyre tricky to see with the naked eye.
If its a nonvenomous spider bite, you might have a simpleitchy bump on your skin.
It might even go unnoticed, depending on the location.
Sometimes, these skin symptoms take time to appear.
This all depends on your complexion and the pop in of spider that may have bitten you.
If you have a darker skin tone, a nonvenomous might look reddish brown, Dr. Ascher says.
Venomous spider bites tend to look a bit more concerning though.
A brown recluse spider bite can turn purple-ish, which means the skin tissue is dying.
Other venomous spider bites may look like a swollen blister surrounded by a white-ish halo, per the AOCD.
With a spider bite, the fangs injure the skin, which triggers inflammation and swelling.
Ultimately, the severity of either will depend on your personal immune response to the bite.
Often, a spider bite is more of a nuisance than anything.
Any pain that does develop usually goes away in a few hours.
A venomous spider bite is usually another story.
Whats the best way to treat a spider bite?
The best treatment for a spider bite depends on the bang out of spider involved.
To clean a bite that appears pretty harmless, simply wash the area well with warm and soapy water.
Applying OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream may also be helpful in easing some of the itchiness.
You also want to take proper care of your bite to prevent a skin infection, Dr. Ascher says.
Thats because the tissue injury resulting from the spiders fangs can serve as an entryway for potentially harmful bacteria.
When is a spider bite a true emergency?
In the meantime, keep a close watch on the area.
Bites that progressively get worse definitely warrant a trip to the emergency room.
All of these symptoms can be signs of a serious reaction.
(Remember, spiders only bite when they feel attacked.)
