SPIDER BITE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SPIDER BITE

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing

See More Appropriate Topic(instead of this one) If

  • Not a spider bite, see INSECT BITE.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Your child looks or acts very sick.

  • Any black widow spider bite.
    FIRST AID for Black Widow Spider Bites:  Apply an ice cube or ice pack to the bite for 20 minutes to reduce the spread of the venom (no tourniquet).
  • Abdominal pain, chest tightness or other muscle cramps.
  • 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 your child needs to be seen.
  • Bite starts to look bad (e.g. skin damage, blister or purplish - not just swelling).
  • Bite pain persists for more than 2 days.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

  • Non-serious spider bite and you don't think your child needs 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.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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