A cold compress and medication reduce swelling, itching and inflammation of a spider bite.
That itchy, swollen bump on your leg may be due to a spider bite, a mildly painful and irritating allergic reaction to the spider venom in the wound. The type of spider that bit you is important to determine, as some spider bites from a brown recluse or black widow are poisonous if left untreated. Visit your local hospital or contact your doctor if you believe the bite was from a black widow or brown recluse spider, as immediate medical treatment is necessary.
Instructions
1. Dampen a clean washcloth with warm water, and wash the spider bite with mild hand soap to remove as much of the spider venom as possible.
2. Blot the wound dry with a clean towel, and apply a cold compress directly to the bite. The cold temperature of the compress reduces swelling and itching, and should be left on for 10 minutes at a time. Create a homemade cold compress by running a washcloth under cold water, and ring out the excess water.
3. Take ibuprofen as directed. Symptoms occur around the spider bite shortly after being bitten, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, reduce the severity of the symptoms.
4. Bathe in colloidal oatmeal. Skin treatments that contain colloidal oatmeal for the bath or shower soothe the skin, and are available at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Avoid rubbing or scratching the area while bathing to prevent further irritation, and always clean the skin with warm water to reduce irritation.
5. Call 1-800-222-1222 to contact your local poison control center. The representative will ask a series of questions to determine the type of spider that bit you, and will provide further instructions on reducing your symptoms.
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