Medical Treatment

• After initial evaluation, the doctor may provide the following treatment:
  
  
  • Tetanus immunization
    
    
  • Pain medication
    
    
  • Antibiotics if signs of infection are present in the wound
    
    
  • Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for itch relief
  
  
• There is no antivenom available in the United States to counteract the poisonous venom of the brown recluse spider. Controversial therapies include steroids and the drug dapsone (Avlosulfon). These are often reserved for people with severe systemic disease (such as certain types of anemia, blood clotting problems, and kidney failure). The therapies have little proven benefit.
  
  
• The patient will need to follow-up with a doctor because most wounds will need to be checked daily for at least three to four days. Necrotic lesions will need close follow-up. The doctor may carefully remove dead tissue in necrotic areas to reduce secondary bacterial infections.