Nonpoisonous Spider Bite

Home care

The following guidelines will help you care for your wound at home:

• Stay away from anything that heats up your skin if itching is a problem. This includes hot showers or baths or direct sunlight. This will make the itching worse.

• During the first 24 hours, you may put an ice pack on the injury. Use it for no more than 20 minutes at a time every 1 to 2 hours. This will reduce pain and swelling. It will also help with itching. You can make an ice pack by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin, clean towel. Don't put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. You may also use an over-the-counter spray or cream containing benzocaine to help ease pain. Over-the-counter skin creams containing diphenhydramine or hydrocortisone may help with itching. Remember to review the medicine instructions for any allergies.

• If the wound becomes red, wash the area with soap and water every day. Put an antibiotic cream or ointment on the injury 3 times a day as advised.

• If your healthcare provider has prescribed oral antibiotics, take them as directed until they are all finished.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

When to get medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Spreading areas of itching, redness, or swelling

• Pain or swelling that gets worse

• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Fluid leaking from the wound

• You get a skin sore (skin ulcer)

• A red streak in the skin leading away from the wound

• You still have symptoms after 3 days

• Generalized rash, fever, or joint pain starting 1 to 2 weeks after treatment

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• New or worse swelling in the face, eyelids, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue

• Hard time swallowing or breathing

• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting