Understanding Spider Bites
What is it?
Most spider bites are harmless and feel like a bee sting—painful but not dangerous. However, rare bites from black widow or brown recluse spiders can be serious.
Concerning symptoms to watch for
- Local pain or burning
- Swelling, redness, or itching
- Blisters (especially within 4–8 hours)
- Fever, vomiting, or muscle aches
- Stomach cramps or severe pain = Go to the ER
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's spider bites at home when:
- If the bite looks like a bee sting
- Pain, swelling, and redness are mild and improve in 1–2 days
- No fever, stomach pain, or blistering
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for Spider Bites:
- Wash the bite well with soap and water
- Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes to reduce pain/swelling
- Keep bite clean and dry
- Rest and monitor symptoms
Safe Medications
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen – for pain
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream – for itching (3x/day)
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again if:
- Bite gets worse after 48 hours
- Redness or pain spreads
- Blisters form
- You’re unsure of the cause
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment if there are:
- Signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, warmth)
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if:
- Muscle cramps or stomach pain develop (possible black widow bite)
- Center of bite turns blue or black (possible brown recluse bite)
- Fever, vomiting, or muscle aches
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
