What are spider bites in children?

Most spiders in the U.S. are poisonous. The fangs of most spiders are too short or too fragile to break through human skin. Or their poison (venom) is too weak to cause damage. Most spider bites cause only minor, local reactions. But some spider bites can be deadly.

What causes spider bites in children?

In the U.S., 2 spiders can cause serious problems. These are the black widow and the brown recluse (also called the violin spider). 

What are the symptoms of a spider bite in children?

How is a spider bite diagnosed in a child?

Your child's healthcare provider will look at the bite area and check your child for other symptoms of a bite. They will also ask if your child was recently in an area where spiders are often found.

If you can trap the spider without harming your child further or hurting yourself, try to do so. Put the spider in a glass jar or plastic container. This way, an expert can identify the spider. This will help your child get the right treatment. 

How is a spider bite treated in a child?

If your child is bitten by a spider, get medical help right away. You can also do the following right away to treat it:

• Stay calm. Tell your child that you can help.

• Wash the area well with soap and water.

• Put a cold or ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth on the area of the bite.

• Apply an antibiotic lotion or cream to the area of the bite. This can reduce your child’s risk for an infection.

• Give acetaminophen to your child, as directed. This can help with pain.

• Raise the site if the bite happened on an arm or leg. This can help prevent swelling.

• Check that your child's tetanus vaccine status is up-to-date. If you don't know the status your child may be given a booster dose.

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Also, call the Poison Control hotline at 800-222-1222 to report spider bites and get advice on how best to treat your child.

What can I do to prevent spider bites in children?

Children should wear protective clothing when they’re playing where spiders live. These include long-sleeved shirts and pants. If you can, remove tall grass, leaves, and logs from outdoor play areas. Use insect repellant, such as DEET or Picaridin, on clothing and footwear.

You should also keep your child’s tetanus shots up-to-date.

Key points about spider bites in children

• Most spider bites cause only minor, local reactions. But some spider bites can be deadly.

• The 2 spiders that can cause serious problems are the black widow and the brown recluse.

• Venom from the brown recluse spider often causes local tissue damage.

• Black widow spiders release a toxin. This can harm your child’s central nervous system.

• If your child is bitten by a spider, get medical help right away. You can call the Poison Control hotline at 800-222-1222 for advice over the phone if your child is stable.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.