Do All Brown Recluse Bites Get Infected?

Not all brown recluse spider bites become infected. Bite reactions are dependent upon individual sensitivity and amount of venom injected and are more severe for young children. Bite reactions range from small red marks that heal without incident to severe infections requiring amputation.

Prevention

If your bite is merely a small red spot, wash it thoroughly with soap and water, dry and apply antibiotic ointment. Cool compresses relieve pain. Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of skin or blood borne infections.

Skin Infection

If the venom is localized in the skin, necrosis will likely develop within 24 hours followed by an increasing red, hot and itchy area that will develop into a small ulcerous wound.

Blood Borne Infection

Usually those who experience fever, chills, sweating, nausea, jaundice and joint pain will not develop necrosis because the venom is circulating in their bloodstream rather then the skin.

Warnings

Never treat brown recluse bites with camphor, phenol or other household disinfectants. Exposure to heat worsens symptoms and increases the chance of infection.

Treatment

Anti-venom is only effective if administered within 24 hours. Antibiotics are given for infections. In extreme cases, dead skin will be removed and skin grafts will be considered.

References

• Ohio State University Fact Sheet: Brown Recluse Spider
• Brown Recluse Spider Information First Aid Kit
• California Poison Action Line: Brown Recluse Spider

Resources

• brownreclusespider.org
• Dermatology Online: Identifying and Misidentifying the Brown Recluse Spider
• Survive Outdoors: Brown Recluse Spider Bites