Signs of a brown recluse spider bite

When you reach into your closet, you might receive an unpleasant surprise if a brown recluse spider is lurking in there. The bite might not hurt much at first. However, you should be aware of serious health issues it can end up causing. Find out how you can tell if you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse spider and what to do about it.

Brown Recluse Spiders

These spiders are a tan or brown color with a violin-shaped mark right behind their eyes. However, other spiders also have a violin marking, such as the daddy long legs. They can grow to be up to three-quarters of an inch long, which is larger than most house spiders. They have six eyes, unlike the usual eight eyes that most spiders have. The unique arrangement of their eyes can help you recognize a brown recluse. Leave it up to the professionals if you don’t want to get close enough to identify the spider.

While it’s helpful to know what the brown recluse spider looks like, you’re not very likely to see one. These spiders are known for seeking out dark, secluded areas to hide. They can end up settling into a closet, box, or even a shoe when they’re in your home. When they’re outside, you might find them in woodpiles, under porches, or in other sheltered areas.

Identifying a Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Brown recluse spiders aren’t known for being aggressive. However, they can bite if you touch them. Since they tend to be in areas that are dark and hidden, it can be hard to spot and avoid them. The first sign of a bite is typically a painful sensation, similar to a bee sting. You might notice a small white mark or blister, but this isn’t always the case.

After a brown recluse spider bite, it can take several hours, or even a few days, for other symptoms to appear. You might have redness around the bite and the area might feel sore. As the venom from the spider affects your body more, the tissue around the bite can form a deeper wound. When this happens, the skin right in the middle of the bite may begin to turn a purplish color. Although tissue death can occur around the bite, this is less common.

The venom that a brown recluse spider produces can cause other symptoms as well. You might develop a fever and have chills. Nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of weakness can also occur. Other symptoms develop, including soreness in your joints and muscles. Rare complications can occur, including kidney damage, seizures, coma, and blood clots.

What to Do About a Brown Recluse Bite

You should see a doctor if you believe you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider. If you’re able to safely capture and bring in the spider, that can help in the identification of the bite. Keep in mind that serious and potentially life-threatening reactions to these bites are more common in young children, elderly, and people with a compromised immune system. If you have a bite, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible.

Brown recluse spider bites can heal with some scarring. The treatment for a brown recluse spider bite depends on the symptoms you’re having. You’ll need to monitor the bite and see your doctor immediately if the tissue around it starts forming lesions. Seek medical care if you develop any signs of complications.

Spiders can be extremely difficult to correctly identify. If you find a brown recluse spider, an unknown spider, or webbing in or around your Arizona home, contact Budget Brothers.