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What Are the Signs of an Allergic Reaction to a Spider Bite?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Most reactions to spider bites are relatively minor. For example, a person might experience localized itching because of it, notice redness or swelling in the area, or even feel mild-to-moderate pain as a result. More serious symptoms, which may indicate the need for a doctor's evaluation, could include difficulty breathing and swelling in the face or throat. Hives are also a sign of an allergic reaction to a spider bite.

The most common reactions to spider bites are similar in nature to what a person might experience with the bite of an insect, though they may prove worse in someone with an allergy. For instance, it is common to have itching in the area, and swelling and redness are usually considered typical as well. Likewise, some spider bites may even cause pain or a stinging sensation in the affected area. Though these symptoms might prove upsetting for the person who was bitten, they are usually fairly harmless and resolve with time. Additionally, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, itch creams, and pain relievers can help to decrease a person's symptoms.

A spider.
A spider.

Sometimes, however, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to a spider bite are severe and alarming. For instance, if a person has a severe reaction, he may notice a tightness in his chest or have difficulty breathing. Sometimes the affected person will cough or wheeze as well. Swelling in the face and mouth are also common signs of a severe reaction, and some people report that it feels as of their throat is closing up or obstructed in some way. The lips and tongue may swell as well.

An allergic reaction to a spider bite may require use of an epipen.
An allergic reaction to a spider bite may require use of an epipen.

The face, mouth, and throat are not the only parts of a person's body that are prone to swelling because of an allergic reaction to a spider bite. Some people develop swelling that affects their hands and feet as well. When this occurs, it is most likely to affect the palms of the hands and soles of the feet rather than other parts of the hands and feet. Sometimes the mucous membranes also swell.

Antihistamines can help reduce symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a spider bite.
Antihistamines can help reduce symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a spider bite.

Other signs of an allergic reaction include gastrointestinal upset, which can include nausea and loose bowels. Some people may become dizzy as the result of this type of bite, and confusion might become a problem as well. Hives are also among the signs of an allergic reaction and often develop along with other symptoms.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

If you ever experience a spider bite, it is also important to keep in mind that an allergic reaction may not take place right away following the incident. Sometimes, these reactions set in hours and even days following a spider bite as venom works its way through your body or when an infection begins.

Raynbow

Another symptom to look for when you have been bitten by a spider are red streaks on your skin that radiate from the bite. These can be signs of blood poisoning, and need to be looked at by a doctor immediately to avoid more serious problems.

Talentryto

I had an allergic reaction to a spider bite once that started with feelings of dizziness and nauseousness. I had to take several types of medications to get the symptoms under control until the bite healed.

If you have a bite and you don't know what caused it, then you start to experience unpleasant symptoms, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. If not, your symptoms could get much worse and be more difficult to treat.

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    • A spider.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      A spider.
    • An allergic reaction to a spider bite may require use of an epipen.
      By: Greg Friese
      An allergic reaction to a spider bite may require use of an epipen.
    • Antihistamines can help reduce symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a spider bite.
      By: Wellford Tiller
      Antihistamines can help reduce symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a spider bite.
    • Many spider bites go unnoticed or cause only minor irritation -- unless a person is allergic to spider venom or the venom is poisonous.
      By: schankz
      Many spider bites go unnoticed or cause only minor irritation -- unless a person is allergic to spider venom or the venom is poisonous.
    • A severe allergic reaction to a spider bite may cause tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      A severe allergic reaction to a spider bite may cause tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing.
    • Consulting 911 can be helpful in suspected cases of a severe allergic reaction.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      Consulting 911 can be helpful in suspected cases of a severe allergic reaction.
    • Warning signs of an allergic reaction to a spider bite may include a swollen tongue.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Warning signs of an allergic reaction to a spider bite may include a swollen tongue.
    • Hives may occur as a result of an allergic reaction to a spider bite.
      By: Rob Byron
      Hives may occur as a result of an allergic reaction to a spider bite.