Spider Bite Remedies

Spider Bite Remedies
Nearly 99% of spider bites are harmless; however, some bites are toxic and can cause a variety of adverse effects on the body. In any case, appropriately treating a bite is crucial to eliminate any poison in the body and prevent further damage to the wound site. Individuals must also be careful when treating a suspected spider bite, as these wounds are often mistaken for MRSA-related boils.

What is a Spider Bite?

Generally, insect and spider bites cause limited inflammation, redness, pain and itching. Depending on the type of spider, a reaction may last a few hours to several days or even weeks. Toxic spider bites from that of a black widow or brown recluse involve a more threatening reaction that may include severe swelling, lightheadedness, fever and a necrotic sore.

Warning: If you believe that you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, seek medical help immediately. Brown recluse spider bites 'eat away' at the skin, causing extremely high fevers and illness. These bites can kill you.

Home Remedies for Spider Bites

Neutralizing the bite and eliminating any toxins in the body is the first goal of treating spider bites. Many home remedies are effective for treating such wounds including baking soda, salt and activated charcoal. Other treatment options moisturize and replenish the skin to prevent damage at the site of the wound.

Baking Soda Baking soda is an effective treatment for several different kinds of insect bites. Mixed with water and made into a paste, baking soda can be applied to the site of a bite. The natural wicking ability of baking soda draws out the venom, reducing pain and inflammation.

Salt Salt can also be used to effectively draw the venom out of a spider bite to treat such a wound. Salt also works to eliminate inflammation and redness at the site of the bite. This treatment also prevents infection.

Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal is another treatment option that can be used as a poultice for a spider bite or other insect bite. Activated charcoal has innate absorption characteristics that help it effectively draw out and remove toxic substances from the body. This treatment also helps eliminate inflammation and tenderness.

While the vast majority of spider bites are minimally harmful, some bites can cause substantial damage to the affected area and even the rest of the body. Treatments for such wounds focus on drawing the toxins out of the body and treating the site before it develops into a large wound.