Unlike bug bites and insect bites, treating spider bites in children is not very common –because spider bites are uncommon and most bites that are not serious. A spider bite on a child is similar to a bee sting, since a spider bite will first cause swelling and redness.
Treating spider bites in children should initially involve cleaning or washing the bite area carefully using just soap and water many times a day until the bite heals to prevent wound infection. However, an antibiotic ointment can also be applied just to make sure the wound does not get infected while keeping the hands of child always clean.
Here are a few things you can do to help treat your child if he or she has been bitten by a spider.
Relieve the Pain
Spider bites can be painful. Easing the pain from spider bite is your primary concern when treating spider bites in children. A dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen appropriate for kids appropriate for his or her age should be administered to relieve the pain.
Monitor the Spider Bite for Signs of Infection
Any signs of infection, such as appearance of pus, swelling, redness and a warm feeling around the bite, would require consultation with a doctor. Symptoms such as fever, chills, vomiting, nausea and muscle aches highly require the attention of the doctor since bite may be caused by a black widow spider.
Identify the Type of Spider
It is also important to identify the kind of spider that has bitten the child so that the right medicine can be given to the child. Another kind of spider that can release harmful venom is the brown recluse spider. Treatment by a doctor is also required when a child is bitten by this spider. A brown recluse spider has a small oval and violin shaped mark on its back and its bite can lead to swelling, formation of blister and a change in skin color. Another poisonous spider is the black widow spider, which has an hourglass shape on its underbelly while having a shiny black body.
Any symptoms caused by the bite of any of these two spiders require emergency treatment in a health facility.
Reassure Your Child
Initial treatment for children that have bitten by a dangerous spider should involve reassuring the child that you can help her or him while remaining calm.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water, and then apply a cold or ice pack to help relieve the pain and prevent swelling.
- Elevate the bite area to prevent swelling.
- Give acetaminophen to relieve the pain.
All of these should be administered before rushing your child to a hospital or health clinic for further treatment to avoid complications in children.