Spider Bite or Scorpion Sting: Care Instructions

Overview

Spider bites and scorpion stings often cause mild swelling, redness, pain, and itching. These mild symptoms are common and may last from a few hours to a few days. Some people have more severe reactions. Home treatment is often all that you need to relieve symptoms and treat the skin area.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Don't scratch or rub the skin around the area.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time for several hours.Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Try an over-the-counter medicine for itching, redness, swelling, and pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help calm the itching or swelling.
• Put a hydrocortisone 1% cream or calamine lotion on the skin.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have a seizure.
• You have trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the bite or sting.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.
• You get a blister or sore at the bite or sting area, or the area turns purple.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have pain or burning at the area after 2 days of home treatment.
• You have symptoms for more than 1 week.