Spider Bite or Scorpion Sting: Care Instructions

Overview

Spider bites and scorpion stings often cause minor 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.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call 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?

• 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 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.

  • Put a hydrocortisone 1% cream or calamine lotion on the skin.

  • Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help calm the itching or swelling.

• Don't scratch or rub the skin around the area.

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.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

	You have signs 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.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.