MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Brown recluse spider

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Brown recluse spider

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number Expectations (prognosis)

Illustrations

Arthropods, basic features

Arachnids, basic features

Brown recluse spider bite on the hand

Definition Return to top

The bite from a brown recluse spider is poisonous.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

Brown recluse spider venom

Where Found Return to top

Most common in the South and Central states, especially in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, eastern Texas, and Oklahoma. They have also been reported in several large cities outside this range.
Prefers dark, sheltered areas, such as under porches and in woodpiles.

Symptoms Return to top

An initial sharp sting or no immediate pain
Pain developing within the first several hours after being bitten, possibly becoming severe
General feeling of discomfort, malaise, or nausea
Formation of an ulcer in the area of the bite
Chills or fever
Sweating
Reddish to purplish color to skin area around bite
Itching
Red or purplish blister

In rare cases:

Blood in urine
Jaundice
Kidney failure
Seizures
Coma

Home Treatment Return to top

Apply a cold pack, then seek immediate medical attention.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Before calling emergency, determine the following:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Area bitten
Time bitten
Identity of the spider, if possible.

The patient should be taken to the emergency room for treatment. The bite may not appear to be very severe and may take some time to progress to a more severe state. However, treatment is important to minimize complications. If possible, bring the spider to the emergency room for identification.

Poison Control, or a local emergency number Return to top

You will be instructed on what to do immediately following the bite. The patient should be taken to the emergency room. See poison control centers for the national telephone number.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Fatalities from brown recluse spider bites are more common in children. With proper medical attention, survival past 48 hours usually indicates that recovery will follow. The ulceration may take up to six weeks to heal, with proper care.

Update Date: 7/24/2003

Updated by: Ari Schwell, M.D., Director, Emergency Department of the Episcopal Campus of Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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