Spider Bites

Most spider bites, although painful, are harmless. Brown recluse, black widow, and selected rare species may, however, cause skin damage from venom and are therefore worth mentioning.

The brown recluse spider injects venom that can cause local skin and tissue death. Symptoms start about three to four hours after the bite with exaggerated pain, itching, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, the process may stop there on its own or, in more severe cases, may result in extended tissue and nerve damage. If you suspect you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, consult with a local MedToGo physician. Early treatment with Dapsone may halt the process. Cold compresses, wound cleansing, antihistamines (for itching), anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naprosyn), and limb elevation are components of basic treatment. Always attempt to capture the spider for identification.

Black widow spider bites are identified as side-by-side pinpricks surrounded by small areas of redness and swelling. Many bites do not cause problems, but the ones that do start with painful muscle cramping of the affected limb within one hour of the bite. It is rare for severe problems to follow. If you suspect a black widow spider from the classic bite pattern and painful muscle cramping, seek medical attention. Antivenom is available in the U.S. but MedToGo has not documented availability at specific hospitals in Mexico. Again, always attempt to capture the spider for identification.