Kids and Health Care: Spider Bites
Most spiders found in the United States are harmless, with the exception of the black widow and the brown recluse (or violin) spider. Typically found in warm climates, if your child receives a bite from one of these, take the following precautions:
- Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to three times a day until skin is healed.
- Apply a cold pack, an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth.
- Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for pain.
- To protect against infection, apply an antibiotic ointment and keep the child's hands washed.
If you suspect your child has been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, seek help immediately. Symptoms include:
- a deep blue or purple area around the bite, with a whitish ring and a large outer red ring;
- body rash;
- muscle spasms, tightness and stiffness;
- abdominal pain;
- headache or fever;
- general feeling of sickness;
- lack of appetite;
- joint pain;
- signs of infection around the bite (swelling and redness); and
- pink or red urine.
In the southwestern United States, an unidentified bite may be caused by a scorpion. Take your child to the emergency room immediately. In addition, check your children and pets for ticks carefully after you've been in or around a wooded area. Common types of ticks include dog ticks and deer ticks (deer ticks may be carriers of Lyme disease).
