Does A Welt On The Hand After Contact With A Violin Spider Require Medical Attention?

Posted on Wed, 6 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 6 Jun 2018 Answered on

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I found a Violin Spider in the bottom of a drinking glass in my kitchen. I examined it under a magnifying glass to see if it had the violin markings and it did. I washed it down the drain. About an 1.5 hours ago I was looking for a container in a cabinet in my kitchen and I found another one in one of the containers. Again I examined it and it had the markings also. Wearing gloves I removed contents from the cabinet and the drawer of the stove next to it and started vacuuming it out. Then on the inside of my left forearm I started to itch and there's a welt coming up. I followed directions and washed it off gently with cool water
and mild soap, and then put an ice cube on it to reduce the redness and swelling, and it did. I that is raised and is about 1/8" wide, but its has no fang marks. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Find detailed answer below .

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

* Most of the violin spider bites are harmless, there is no immediate need to visit
ER unit.

* My suggestions at present

- Continue ice application every 2 hourly ( 5 minutes each ) over the site.
- Keep a check on the size of redness and swelling with progress of time.
- Maintain hydration with plenty of liquids.
- Consume tablet ibuprofen ( 400 mg ) 2 times a day after meals if no history of
drug sensitivity, which will help to reduce the inflammation.
- In case of more itching, anti histamine help can be availed, otherwise ice will do
the best.

* Follow up after 24 hours or early as per the progress.

Wishing you fine health.
Regards take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj