Brown Recluse Spider Bite

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A brown recluse spider bite is a small wound that you get from being bitten by a brown recluse spider, also called a fiddle back spider. They live in the central and southern parts of the United States and are active from April to October. You may be bitten while asleep and have no signs or symptoms at first. Later you may get pain, swelling, redness, and itchiness in the area of the bite. If the bite gets worse, you may have discharge from it or tissue death and loss in the bite area. Your caregiver may do blood tests and tests on the bite wound. Your wound may worsen and you may get medicines, such as antibiotics, steroids, anti-allergies, or anti-venom. You may need surgery to remove the damaged tissues in the wound. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent your wound from getting worse or you becoming more sick. Knowing what these spider look like and where they hide may help keep you from being bitten.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This family of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). Some NSAIDs may also be used to decrease a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed. When sitting or lying down, raise your wound above the heart. This helps decrease swelling. You may put pillows under your wound when lying in bed.

Preventing a brown recluse spider bite: Find out if you live in an area where there are brown recluse spiders. Learn what these spiders look like and where they like to hide. Teach your family to avoid these spiders. A brown recluse spider bite may be prevented by doing the following:

• Cleaning closets, sheds, and attics completely. Remove woodpiles and other trash from outside areas, especially piles of things where spiders can live. Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts, pants, and shoes when you do work near wood or garbage piles.
  
  
• Making noises when entering attics or other spaces where spiders may live. Noise may scare them away.
  
  
• Shaking out clothes or shoes that are lying on the floor before putting them on. Check under your bed sheets before getting in bed. Clothing that has been stored should be aired out and carefully searched for spiders before it is worn.
  
  
• Using caution in removing a web or spider when you see one.
  
  
• Being attentive to your surroundings when traveling in areas where these spiders are common.

Wound care:

• Clean your wound with mild soap and water, and pat dry. Do this as often as ordered by your caregiver. If you cannot reach the wound, have someone help you.
  
  
• Carefully check the wound and the area around it. Watch out for more swelling, redness, or fluid oozing out of it. If there is bleeding, you may apply gentle pressure.
  
  
• Cover your wound with a layer of sterile (clean) gauze bandage or other dressing as ordered by your caregiver. If the bandage should be wrapped around your arm or leg, wrap it snugly but not too tight. It is too tight if you feel tingling or lose feeling in that area. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after taking care of a wound to prevent having or spreading an infection.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a skin rash, itching, or swelling after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the bitten area.
  
  
• You have pain or problems moving the injured part or get tender lumps in the groin or armpits.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have a headache, or nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You have numbness or tingling in the area of the bite.
  
  
• You have trouble talking, walking, or breathing.
  
  
• You start passing dark urine or less urine than is usual for you.
  
  
• Your wound does not stop bleeding even after applying pressure.
  
  
• Your wound or bandage has pus or a bad smell even if you are cleaning it everyday.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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