Spider bites typically appear as two tiny puncture marks from the spider's fangs, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and a small bump or blister at the site. The area may be mildly painful and itchy, similar to a bee sting or mosquito bite
. Common features of spider bites include:
- Two small puncture marks close together
- Redness and localized swelling around the bite
- Itching or irritation, which can vary in intensity
- A raised bump or blister, sometimes with a red or purplish rash around it
The appearance and severity of a spider bite can vary depending on the spider species. For example:
- Brown recluse spider bites may cause a white blister or discolored ulcer and can lead to necrotic wounds (tissue death) that take months to heal or require surgery. These bites may also cause systemic symptoms like muscle aches and fever
- Black widow spider bites often show a red area with a white center and can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and other systemic symptoms
- Most non-venomous spider bites cause mild redness, swelling, and itching that resolve within a few days
If a bite shows excessive swelling, severe pain, tissue breakdown, or systemic symptoms (fever, muscle pain, difficulty breathing), medical attention should be sought promptly as these may indicate infection or venomous spider bite complications
. In summary, spider bites usually look like red, swollen bumps with two tiny puncture marks, sometimes with blistering or ulceration in more serious cases. The symptoms range from mild irritation to severe pain and tissue damage depending on the spider species involved
