Brown Recluse Spider Bite Treatment

In this article

• 1. Clean and Protect
• 2. Control Swelling
• 3. Save the Spider, if Possible
• 4. Call a Health Care Provider
• 5. Follow Up

1. Clean and Protect

• Clean area with gentle soap and water.

• Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

2. Control Swelling

• Ice the area.

• Elevate area if it is on an arm or leg.

3. Save the Spider, if Possible

• Kill and save the spider for identification purposes.

4. Call a Health Care Provider

• Prompt treatment is important, especially for children. Venom from a brown recluse spider bite can cause tissue damage that can lead to scarring, as well as more serious complications.

• Bring the spider to the health care provider's office if you can.

• Calling Poison Control (800-222-1222) also can be helpful.

5. Follow Up

• The health care provider will treat the wound area and may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.

• The health care provider may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) for pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18.

• Occasionally, surgery or hospitalization is necessary.

• It may take 6 to 8 weeks for the bite to heal.