Spider Bites: Symptoms, Causes, and Essential Treatments

Though many people have a fear of spiders, most species rarely bite and are harmless. Only a few species across the world have fangs long enough to pierce human skin and deliver venom. In North America, the black widow and brown recluse spiders are particularly dangerous, and their bites often require medical attention.

Learning the most common spider bite symptoms and those of the more threatening species can help ease your fears and avoid potentially life-threatening complications.

1. What Does a Spider Bite Look Like?

Spider bites tend to look like any other bug bite: red, inflamed bumps. Depending on the species, the bite may not even be noticeable. More dangerous bites may have a pale center that slowly changes color. Some might be surrounded by bruising and form a blister.