Brown recluse bite how long

Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed. For example, call if: You passed out lost consciousness. You have severe trouble breathing. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You get an open sore or black skin at the bite area. You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint. You have new symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or a headache.

You have symptoms of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the area. A fever. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: You have new or worse pain at the bite area. You do not get better as expected.

Current as of: October 19, Home About MyHealth. Include Images Large Print. This looks like a big, black, thick scab that covers the wound. Most brown recluse bites will heal within 3 months. Some people have severe reactions to brown recluse bites. Severe reactions are more likely in those with compromised immune systems, like children and older adults. Most doctors recommend using the rest, ice, compression, and elevation RICE method to initially treat a bite.

Elevating the affected area and refraining from using it can help. Applying clean bandages to the area, especially when you are sleeping at night to reduce the urge to itch, can help.

Not all bites require medical treatment. If the bite causes severe burning and pain, or is getting worse instead of better after a few days, see a doctor. Brown recluse spider bites can be hard to diagnose.

The bite can resemble a lot of other medical conditions, including a Staph infection , pressure ulcers , and wounds due to diabetes. Other insect bites can look like a brown recluse bite, too. Another consideration is where you live. The way a doctor will treat a brown recluse bite may vary based on the location of the bite and your symptoms. Treatments may include:. Ways you can try to avoid brown recluse bites include:. Brown recluse spider bites are painful and sometimes highly damaging.

If a bite does occur, most will heal on their own over the course of several weeks. If your bite is especially painful or on a delicate area of the body, such as your face, see your doctor for suggested treatments. Some spider bites can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Treatment depends on how severe the bite is. For bites that:.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be used for tissue damage from a spider bite. Medicines that may be used include:. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome. Medicine to counteract brown recluse spider venom is not available in the United States or Canada. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico. Even though these spiders have gotten a bad name, the actual risk of significant injury from a brown recluse is quite small. Simple preventive measures can be highly effective, further reducing any risk of encountering these spiders. Horseflies are common in rural areas and around bodies of water. Because their bite is more a cut than a puncture, the site may be especially….

Fire ant bites or stings can cause intense, instantaneous pain. This usually subsides into itching, which can last for a few days. However, if a…. Bee and wasp stings can cause painful swelling that usually goes away within a couple of days. However, in some people, stings can trigger…. Mosquitoes are flying insects whose bites can cause irritatin as well as spreading infectious diseases such as Zika and malaria.

Not all mosquitos…. In this article we look at why mosquito bites itch, evidence-backed ways to reduce itching and swelling, and discuss when to see a doctor. Should I worry about a brown recluse spider bite? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. What are brown recluse spiders? Appearance and symptoms Risk factors Home treatments When to see a doctor Outlook Prevention Summary Brown recluse spiders are one of the few species of spider that pose a potential threat to humans.

Share on Pinterest Brown recluse spiders are highly venomous, but can only release small amounts of venom at a time. Appearance and symptoms. Risk factors. Home treatments. Share on Pinterest Clean a brown recluse spider bite with water and mild soap as soon as it happens.

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