Brown Recluse Spider Bite Treatment
The initial treatment for a brown recluse spider bite includes immediate application of cold compresses, which may help inactivate some of the venom. Additional treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. If an ulcer forms at the skin surface, the doctor may remove dead tissue from the wound. Skin grafting may be required after 6-8 weeks of wound care. Antivenom for a brown recluse spider bite has not proven to be effective.
For severe envenomations, hospitalization may be necessary, in order to treat or prevent serious complications such as coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure.
Treatment for a brown recluse spider bite may include:
- Wound irrigation
- Rinsing the wound
- Wound cleansing
- Cold compresses
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
- Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
- Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Narcotic pain medication:
- For moderate to severe pain
- For short term use only
- Antibiotics to prevent a wound infection
- Tetanus vaccination
- Surgery for brown recluse spider bite:
- Skin grafting may be required after 6-8 weeks of wound care.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite Specialist
Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat a brown recluse spider bite:
Continue to Brown Recluse Spider Bite Home Care
Last Updated: Jun 3, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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