Treating Brown Recluse Spider Bites

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Treating Brown Recluse Spider Bites

Question:

What should be done to treat a brown recluse spider bite?

Answer:

Brown recluse spiders live in dark, warm places such as attics, garages, closets, and basements. They are found in the Midwestern and Southeastern parts of the United States. Bites from a brown recluse spider can result in redness, blistering, and skin necrosis (skin death) around the bite. The bites are often painless, but severe pain can result at the site after several hours, sometimes accompanied by muscle aches, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases death has occurred.

If you are bitten by a brown recluse spider, apply cool compresses, take acetaminophen for the pain, and see your doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and an antihistamine, and may remove dead tissue if it develops. If possible, bring the spider in a small glass jar for the doctor to examine. Many spiders are brown, but not every brown spider is a brown recluse spider.

Rebecca Campen, M.D., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. She divides her time between clinical practice of dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and private practice in Savannah, Ga.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009