Suggest Treatment For Spider Bite Infection

Posted on Mon, 7 Jul 2014

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

Mon, 7 Jul 2014 Answered on

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I believe I have a spider bite (sting) on my finger. I got it about a week ago and thought it was a bee sting. From general redness between the first knuckle and the first finger joint it is now an angry red lump that is quite tender. I've been using benedryl cream on it but it is not changing and has been the same now for several days - not diminishing. Suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Secondary bacterial infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi Thanks for your question,

Insect bites can become secondarily infected. If you can post a picture then this may help in the advice that I can give you. This would however be my major concern. A secondary bacterial infection will often improve with antibiotics but occasionally minor surgery is required, if an abcess forms, to drain the pus.

I would seek medical attention for further assessment and treatment.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar