Spider Bite or Scorpion Sting in Children: 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 child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Don't let your child 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. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's 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.
• Ask your doctor if you can give your child an over-the-counter antihistamine.
• Put hydrocortisone 1% cream or calamine lotion on the skin.

When should you call for help?

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

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child has trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has 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.
• Your child gets a blister or sore at the bite area, or the area turns purple.

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

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