Spider Bite First Aid

Here is our Spider Bite First Aid guide. Most spider bites are harmless and cause only a mild irritation however people can have allergic reactions.

In the USA bites from the Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders can be serious and even life threatening.

In Australia it is the Red Back and Funnel Web Spider whose bites can cause death. Although the last recorded death was in 1979 due to the development of anti-venom.

For First Aid Help for the above mentioned spider bites go to:

First Aid for Black Widow Spider Bite

ymptoms of a Black Widow Bite

Local pain may be followed by localised or generalised severe muscle cramps and pain

Abdominal pain

Weakness

Tremors

In severe cases:

Nausea and/or vomiting

Fainting

Dizziness

Chest pain

Difficulty breath may follow

First Aid for Black Widow Bite

If the patient shows any of the symptoms of a Black Widow Bite get to a hospital immediately. Clean and irrigate the bite area. Application of ice or cool compresses. If safe to do so, take the spider to the hospital for identification. Usually it is safer to take a photo.

Pain medication and or muscle relaxants may be given by a medical professional. DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.

DO NOT give the patient medication including aspirin unless instructed to do so by a medical professional

First Aid for Brown Recluse Bite

In the USA the Black Widow or Brown Recluse Spider bites can be serious and even life threatening.

As the name suggests the Brown Recluse Spider is rarely aggressive and bites from them are rare. The spider usually only bites when pressed against the skin, such as when tangled up within clothes, towels or bedding.

The initial bite may not be felt but within 2 to 8 hours the pain can be rather severe.

Symptoms of a Brown Recluse Bite

Nausea

Vomiting

Fever

Rashes

Muscle and joint pain

Over the next few days necrosis (the skin and other tissue dies) at the site of the bite may develop.

First Aid for Brown Recluse Bite

Apply an ice pack or cold compress.

Aloe Vera to soothe and help reduce the pain and inflammation.

Elevate the bitten area.

Go to the closest Hospital.

If safe to do so, take the spider to the hospital for identification.

Usually it is safer to take a photo.

DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.

DO NOT give the patient medication including aspirin unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

First Aid for Red Back Bite

In Australia it is the Red Back Spider and Funnel Web Spider whose bites can cause death. Although the last recorded death was in 1979 due to the development of anti-venom.

The Red Back is a close relative of the Black Widow from the USA.

Symptoms of a Red Back Bite

The fangs are tiny and it's bite may often go unnoticed, but, often a sharp pin-prick may be felt

Severe pain at the site of the bite, leading to more general pain

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Abdominal pain

Loss of muscle control

Sweating occurs in varying degrees, particularly around site of the bite of the affected area is common

Tachycardia - the heart beats fast

First Aid for a Red Back Bite

The bitten person needs to stay still and apply ice.

Many hospitals and ambulance vehicles carry the Red Back anti-venom so either call an ambulance or get to the closest emergency hospital for anti-venom.

If safe to do so, take the spider to the hospital for identification.

Usually it is safer to take a photo if at all possible.

There have been no deaths from Red Back bites since anti-venom became available in 1956. DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.

DO NOT give the patient medication including aspirin unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

First Aid for Funnel Web Bite

In Australia it is the Funnel Web Spider and Red Back Spider whose bites can cause death. Although the last recorded death was in 1979 due to the development of anti-venom.

Symptoms of a Funnel Web Bite

Great pain at the site of the bite.

Nausea and abdominal pain follow.

Difficulty in breathing and general weakness or numbness of the muscles.

Profuse secretions and sweating, along with excessive saliva production.

Heavy coughing.

First Aid for a Funnel Web Bite

If you are bitten by a funnel-web, stay still and apply a pressure bandage to the area then go to the closest emergency hospital for anti-venom.

If safe to do so, take the spider to the hospital for identification

Usually it is safer to take a photo.

Anti-venom became available in 1980 and since then there have been no deaths from funnel-web bites. DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.

DO NOT give the patient medication including aspirin unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

First Aid for non lethal Spider Bites

Wash the bite with soap and water.

Place ice packs on the bite 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Repeat as needed.

DO NOT apply a tourniquet. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.

Use an antihistamine ointment if you feel it is needed.

Monitor the patient for the next few days for signs of infection.

Spider Bites may cause allergic reactions

If the person shows signs of an allergic reaction call their local emergency services - signs may include shortness of breath, swelling of the face, difficulty swallowing or breathing, nausea and vomiting.

While waiting for help to arrive check the patient's breathing. If they are not breathing and there is no sign of a pulse begin CPR.

Use an EpiPen if available.

Remove rings and restrictive clothing in case of swelling.

If the person shows signs of shock - symptoms include sweating, pale complexion, bluish lips and fingernails and shallow breathing. It is best to lie them down and elevate their feet 30cm (12inches) Go to our First Aid for Shock page for for helpful information.

Remain with the patient until help arrives.