Spider Bite: Brown Recluse Spider Bite (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Brown Recluse Spider Bite Overview
- Brown Recluse Bite - Causes
- Brown Recluse Bite Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Brown Recluse Bite Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Pictures of Brown Recluse Spider and Spider Bites
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
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
- Tetanus
immunization
- 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 the chance of developing secondary bacterial infections.
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Spider Envenomations: Brown Recluse »
In the United States, reports of severe envenomations by brown spiders began to appear in the late 1800s, and today, in endemic areas, brown spiders continue to be of significant clinical concern.

