The Dangers of Spider Bites
What you should know about Spider Bites

How harmful are spider bites? With the exception of the black widow and the brown recluse spiders, most spiders are completely harmless. Both of those spiders are found in warmer climates. The brown recluse spider, or violin spider, is about 1 inch long and is often found in warm, dry climates. It prefers to stay in undisturbed areas such as basements, closets, and attics. Its nickname comes from the violin shaped mark on its upper back. It is not an aggressive spider, but will attack if trapped or held against the skin. Only one reported incident of death from a recluse spider bite has ever been recorded in the United States.
Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite
Venom from the brown recluse spider usually causes local tissue damage and symptoms may include burning, pain, itching, or redness at the site which is usually delayed and may develop within several hours or days of the bite, a deep blue or purple area around the bite, surrounded by a whitish ring and large red outer ring similar to a "bulls eye,” an ulcer or blister that turns black, headache, body aches, rash, fever, and nausea or vomiting. As these symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite may resemble other conditions or medical problems, always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for a brown recluse spider bite:
Treatments for a recluse spider bite include washing the area well with soap and water, applying a cold or ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth to the site, applying an antibiotic lotion or cream, giving acetaminophen for pain, seeking the site if the bite occurred on an arm or leg (to help prevent swelling), and seeking immediate emergency care for further treatment if the symptoms are severe.
What is a black widow spider?
A black widow spider is a small, shiny, black, button-shaped spider with a red hourglass mark on its abdomen which prefers warm climates. Black widow spider bites release a toxin that can cause damage to the nervous system.

Symptoms of a black widow spider bite?
Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include immediate pain, burning, swelling, and redness at the site (double fang marks may be seen) cramping pain and muscle rigidity in the stomach, chest, shoulders, and back, headache, dizziness, rash and itching, restlessness and anxiety, sweating, eyelid swelling, nausea or vomiting, salivation, tearing of the eyes, and weakness, tremors, or paralysis, especially in the legs.
Treatment for a black widow spider bite:
Treatment for a black widow bite may include washing the area well with soap and water, applying a cold or ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth to the site, protecting against infection, particularly in children, apply an antibiotic lotion or cream, giving acetaminophen for pain, and seeking immediate emergency care for further treatment.