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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Spider Bite,area Swollen, Became Purplish. What To Do?

I think I may have a spider bite ....i have a swollen, purplish area about 1-2 across, with a swollen area in the center about l/4 across & swollen above the skin with a small hole in the center...there is nothing in the hole. The area is located on my right side toward my back about 5 inches from my right breast. I cleaned it with soapy water and hydrogen peroxide , applied bacitracin and a bandaid. It is very sore to the touch, and the purplish area that is swollen is also very hard. I have no fever or other systemic type symptons. I read that I should apply an ice pack for 15 - 20 minutes. Does this sound like a spider bite? I feel if it is still the same in the morning, I should see my doctor . I am on the West Coast; it is 12:15 a.m. Do you think I am ok waiting until tomorrow to have it seen, if at all? Does it sound like a spider bite? I only noticed it about 2 hours ago....I thought it was a bruise .
Mon, 28 Oct 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Only a few spiders are dangerous to humans. Two that are present in the contiguous United States, and more common in the Southern states, are the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Both prefer warm climates and dark, dry places where flies are plentiful. They often live in dry, littered, undisturbed areas, such as closets, woodpiles and under sinks.

Most presumed spider bites are actually bites from other bugs.

Try and identify the type of spider that bit you. Clean the site of the spider bite well with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the spider bite location. If the bite is on an extremity, elevate it. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and antihistamines may be used to relieve minor signs and symptoms in adults. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Hope this helps
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Spider Bite,area Swollen, Became Purplish. What To Do?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Only a few spiders are dangerous to humans. Two that are present in the contiguous United States, and more common in the Southern states, are the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Both prefer warm climates and dark, dry places where flies are plentiful. They often live in dry, littered, undisturbed areas, such as closets, woodpiles and under sinks. Most presumed spider bites are actually bites from other bugs. Try and identify the type of spider that bit you. Clean the site of the spider bite well with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the spider bite location. If the bite is on an extremity, elevate it. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and antihistamines may be used to relieve minor signs and symptoms in adults. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Hope this helps