Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Brown recluse spiders can be dark brown to light tan in color. On their back, they have a band of darker color that is shaped like a violin. These spiders may grow to the size of 1 inch (2.5 cm), including the legs. They usually live outdoors under woodpiles or other items lying on the ground. They may also live indoors in places that are out of the way, such as attics. They can be found in the U.S. on the East Coast, West Coast, and mostly in the South.
Brown recluse spiders can inject poison (venom) into the wound when they bite a person. The bite can cause tissue damage in the bite area that may spread. In rare cases, bites can cause a reaction that spreads through the body. This can be serious and even life
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Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.
General Instructions
• If directed, apply ice to the bite area.
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Raise (elevate) the bite area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down. This helps reduce swelling.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your symptoms do not improve in 24 hours.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have increasing redness, swelling, or pain in the bite area.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from the bite area.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your lesion appears to be getting larger or growing deeper.
• You have chills or a fever.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• You have muscle aches.
• You have weakness or extreme tiredness.
• You have convulsions.
• You develop a rash.
• Your urine output decreases.
• You have blood in your urine or notice other unusual bleeding.
• Your skin turns