Table of contents:
- Do this if you are bitten by a spider
- When should you immediately see a doctor when you are bitten by a spider?
Poisonous spider bites can cause redness at the bite, swelling, itching and pain. In severe conditions, dangerous insect bites can cause fatal allergic symptoms such as swelling in the throat and face, difficulty breathing and even loss of consciousness. So, what should you do if you are bitten by a spider?
Do this if you are bitten by a spider
Not all spiders are poisonous. Most of the common spider species in Indonesia are not classified as deadly. It may also be difficult for you to tell which spiders are venomous and which are not. Therefore, regardless of the shape and type of the spider, here's first aid if you or any of your friends have been bitten by a spider.
- Catch spiders. If possible, catch the spider that is biting you and place it in a closed container so it doesn't escape. The goal is that you or the medical staff can identify the type of spider, whether it is dangerous or not.
- Clean the wound. If you can't catch it, clean your wound immediately with running water and soap to prevent infection. After that, dry it with a soft towel or tissue slowly and don't rub it. Then also observe the appearance of the spider bite wound. This information can be useful for medical personnel later.
- Kcold compress. If your spider-bitten wound hurts, try a cold compress for 10 minutes. This will relieve the pain from the bite and treat the swelling in the scar.
- Use calamine ointment. This itchy ointment containing calamine is usually sold in lotion dosage forms. Apply this itchy ointment every six or eight hours as needed and the directions for use on the package.
- Taking medication. If cold compresses and calamine ointment can not reduce the pain of your wound from being bitten by a spider. You can take pain relievers such as ibuprofen, anthistamin, or paracetamol.
- Raise the body part. If you have a spider bite on your leg or hand, lift it higher than your heart to reduce swelling.
- Immediately to the doctor. If the scar with spider digits does not heal and symptoms of allergies appear, immediately contact your doctor.
When should you immediately see a doctor when you are bitten by a spider?
Get emergency medical help right away if you experience any of these things after being bitten by a spider:
- The part of the body that was bitten by the spider turns blue, purple, or black.
- It hurts excruciatingly.
- The part of the body that was bitten by the spider becomes infected.
- You have trouble breathing.
- The body feels very weak.
- Muscle spasms.
- Excessive sweating.