How to Handle a Spider Bite with Swelling

I'm writing this article as I sit with my foot elevated and ice on my ankle.

I got bit by some type of spider and didn't even feel it or know it!

Don't panic. Here's what to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Benadryl Allergy Tablets or Liquid; and
• Ice Pack.

1. FIRST THING...DON'T PANIC!! I did. Called 911, rushed to Hospital, and I regret it now. Although some spiders can be deadly, some just cause "severe" swelling of the area, as well as numbness and tingling in the area.
   
   If you got bit, or believe that you did, first thing to do is take Benadryl Allergy, either liquid or tablet form.

2. Next, get an ice pack out of the freezer, or just ice in a towel if you don't have one. Place on affected area every 20 minutes.
   
   Insect bite swelling can last for up to 4 days, so don't expect the swelling to go down right away. I'm still swollen, but swelling is decreasing. However, I still do not know what actually bit me. All I have is a little red blotch.

3. If you are feeling dizzy, have difficulty breathing, or any other "unusual" symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately! To help breathe, get a paper bag and breathe into that. Will help with the dizziness getting your own oxygen back into your system.
   Also, watch for any "red lines" or "skin discoloration". This could mean that it is traveling through your bloodstream. If so, call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital immediately.
   Last, if you have any skin "peeling" or other strange appearance of skin, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the Benadryl Allergy ever 4 hours or as prescribed on box;
• Ice every 20 minutes;
• If possible, keep elevated to reduce swelling.
• As I said before, if you have any difficulty breathing, dizziness, skin discoloration, peeling or "red lines" traveling near the area, call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital immediately!
• Some spider bites can be lethal. But when you don't know what bit you, better to be safe than sorry.
• I never thought I'd be the one giving advice on this!

[xivyisazombiex]

on 10/4/2009 I live in the woods so there is nothing i hate more is spider bites. Good article, Good remedy.

[EarthMother]

on 8/31/2009 How to Handle a Spider Bite with Swelling - Don't panic. I like that. I think I panic as soon as I see the spider on me. LOL Glad you're okay. Good article. Smile!

[drenee]

on 8/28/2009 sometimes these can be awful, we treat the yard and kill the bugs and usually the spiders go away too.

[llparker]

on 8/17/2009 spider bites are very bad...good article

[themiragewriter]

on 8/16/2009 This happened to me the other day as well and I did'nt even know I had gotten bit until I realized my foot was swollen 2 times its normal size! Great tips, they work!