Tarantula spider bite

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Arachnids, basic features

Arthropods, basic features

Seek immediate medical help.

Wash the area with soap and water. Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If the patient has blood flow problems, reduce the time the ice is used to prevent possible skin damage.

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the spider
• Time of the bite
• Area of the body that was bitten

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

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This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.

If possible, bring the spider to the emergency room for identification.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The wound and symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

The patient may receive:

• Breathing support, if needed
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Medications to treat an allergic reaction

Death in a normally healthy individual is uncommon. Recovery usually takes about a week

Review Date: 10/04/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).