What do Spider Bites Look Like?

Black widow spiders have a toxin that affects muscle contraction and nerve function. Severe brown recluse spider bites can also cause some symptoms over the entire body (systemic reaction). In cases where the victim is feeling extremely tired or weak, call 911.

If It's Not a Spider Bite, Then What Is It? Besides being thousands of other types of bug besides a spider, local reactions that might make you think "spider bite" can be from skin infections, chemicals, poisons, allergies or even medications. There is no specific first aid for spider bites.

Perform first aid for common bug bites if a wound is found. Systemic reactions to black widow or brown recluse bites have to be treated by medical staff, often in the emergency department. Victims should call a doctor or go to the emergency department if symptoms persist more than 24 hours or get worse.

If you go to the doctor for a reaction, don't start out by telling him or her it's a spider bite -- even if you think that's what it is. Docs are people, too, and they are susceptible to the power of suggestion just like the rest of us. There are many home remedies offered for the treatment of insect and spider bites.

Most of these have not been shown to provide any real benefit. Meat tenderizer (papain) has even been implicated in allergies and asthma reactions to its protein.