Spider bite first aid methods depend on a variety of factors, including the type of spider, specific symptoms, and the age or overall health of the bite victim. While most spiders do not pose a significant health risk to humans, certain spiders do possess potentially fatal types of venom, requiring emergency medical assistance. In most cases, spider bite first aid involves measures such as cold compresses, the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, and the application of antibiotic ointment. When in doubt concerning the most appropriate spider bite first aid methods for a specific situation, a doctor should be consulted.
The first step of spider bite first aid is to attempt to identify the type of spider involved. If it is not possible to actually collect the spider, being able to give a description to a doctor can help determine whether the spider bite requires medical evaluation. Any time that a small child or a person with a compromised immune system is bitten, it is wise to have the bite examined by a medical professional. Symptoms such as intense pain, extreme swelling, or difficulty breathing should be considered a medical emergency.
Properly cleaning the affected area of skin is the next step in spider bite first aid. Regular soap and water are sufficient to clean the wound, as the goal is to wash away any bacteria or residual venom that could be harmful. The affected part of the body should then be elevated to prevent the spread of the venom. Cold compresses can be used to reduce swelling before applying antibacterial ointment to the wound.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may be taken to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the spider bite. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can also help reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen may be a better choice if the bite victim has heart or kidney problems.
If the spider is known to be venomous, a tight bandage should be used just above the site of the bite to help prevent the venom from spreading to other parts of the body. After the bandage is applied, the victim should be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical evaluation. Even if the spider is not thought to be venomous, symptoms such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain should also prompt a trip to the hospital. Any bothersome symptoms should be reported to a doctor in order to obtain individualized treatment instructions.