Overview

After being bitten by a brown recluse spider, you may have red skin and a blister where you were bitten. You may also have intense pain and itching around the bite. This may last a few hours.

In some cases, an open sore or black skin can appear around the bite. This can happen a week or more after you were bitten. This is a serious problem that needs medical attention.

Brown recluses are found most often in the south-central part of the United States. They live in hot, dry, abandoned areas, such as wood or rock piles. They can also be found indoors in dark closets, shoes, or attics. Brown recluse spiders are not found in Canada.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or loratadine (Claritin), to calm the itching and reduce the swelling. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the bite for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the bite area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the bite with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.