Brown Recluse Spider Bite
First Aid

In the USA the Black Widow or Brown Recluse Spider bites can be serious and even life threatening.

As the name suggests the Brown Recluse Spider is rarely aggressive and bites from them are rare. The spider usually only bites when pressed against the skin, such as when tangled up within clothes, towels or bedding.

The initial bite may not be felt but within 2 to 8 hours the pain can be rather severe.

Symptoms of a Brown Recluse Bite

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Rashes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Over the next few days necrosis (the skin and other tissue dies) at the site of the bite may develop.

First Aid for Brown Recluse Bite

• Apply an ice pack or cold compress.
• Aloe Vera to soothe and help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Elevate the bitten area.
• Go to the closest Hospital.
• If safe to do so, take the spider to the hospital for identification.
• Usually it is safer to take a photo.
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.
• DO NOT give the patient medication including aspirin unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

You may be interested in learning about:

• First Aid for other Spider Bites
• First Aid for Snake Bites
• Basic First Aid instructions
• First Aid Kit Checklists

---

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia