Your kids and spider bites: What to know
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) - Spider bites can cause irritation and make your child itch, but they are rarely anything to worry about. The exception is a bite from a brown recluse or black widow spider.
Dr. Katy Stordahl with East Tennessee Children's Hospital says the signs and symptoms of a serious spider bite starts with a dull ache near the bite which spreads to the muscles. The pain then moves to the abdomen, back, chest and legs.
Mild swelling and a blue-gray mark will form at the bite, surrounded by lightening of the skin color. There will be progressive soft tissue damage, and the skin will be come dark blue and then black.
If you suspect your child has been bitten by a spider, wash the area with soap and water, and apply an ice pack or a cool wet cloth to relive pain and swelling.
Seek medical care right away if your child has any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing or speaking; your child develops any kind of rash; the area begins to look infected; or if you think it was from a brown recluse or black widow.
To prevent spider bites, make sure garages, attics and woodpiles are free of spider webs. Teach kids to leave spiders and their webs alone. Shake out blankets or towels before using.