SPIDER BITE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SPIDER BITE

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick

  • Any black widow spider bite
  • Abdominal pain, chest tightness or other muscle cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Urine is brown, black or red in color
  • Bite pain is severe
  • Bite looks infected (red streaking from the bite area, yellow drainage)  (Note: infection doesn't start until at least 24-48 hours after the bite.  Any redness in the first 24 hours is due to venom)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Diabetic and spider bite of foot
  • Bite starts to look bad (e.g. skin damage, blister or purplish - not just swelling)
  • Bite pain persists longer than 2 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home If

  • Non-serious spider bite and you don't think you need to be seen

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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