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Spiders generally do not attack humans and tend to bite only when they feel threatened. Most of the spiders are venomous as it aids them in hunting. Spider venom is very mild and weak and hence does not pose any major threat to humans. There are only a few big spiders which are able to get their venom to spread in the human body. Some simple home remedies can help prevent any spider bite infection. Spider bite treatment preliminarily depends on the type of spider which has bitten the person.

Spider Bite Identification

Determining the spider by looking at the spider bite is a little tough. It is therefore important to identify the type of spider on seeing it. A few known characteristics of commonly found spiders should help in the same:

Black Widow Spider
It is easy to identify a black widow spider as these spiders have a red color, hour glass shape mark on their bellies. A black widow spider bite feels like a pinprick and leads to swelling and red marks on the skin. Since this spider is poisonous, it shows symptoms all over the body. Chills, fever and nausea are some of the common symptoms.

Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider has a distinct, violin-shaped mark on the top of it's head. These spiders bite with a mild sting. The swelling is more severe and liquid blisters are also formed around the bite area. The poisonous nature of this spider also causes symptoms all over the body. Read more on brown recluse spider bites.

Hobo Spider
A hobo spider is brown in color and has a yellowish green mark on its belly. This spider is aggressive and can bite if provocated. Redness of the skin and numbness around the bite area is usually observed with a hobo spider bite.

Yellow Sack Spider
This spider is pale yellowish in color and therefore easy to recognize. A yellow sack spider bite causes swelling, itchiness and redness of the skin. There are chances that the wound becomes slightly neurotic or an ulcer is formed around the bite area as the venom of this spider is cytotoxic.

Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are long, hairy and grayish brown in color. The peculiar aspect of a wolf spider bite is that it can tear the skin because of the large fangs it possesses. The skin around the bite area appears black, indicating dead tissues.

Since most of the spider bites appear the same from the outside, it is advisable to rush to a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Spider Bite Symptoms

A spider bite can cause certain local reactions in and around the bite like:
Swelling
Itching
Redness
Pain
These local reactions are normal and caused by most of the bug bites. If this local reaction aggravates, it may show signs like:
Drainage from the bite
Redness spreading away from the bite
Discoloration around the bite
An increase in pain
If any such signs are noticed, consult a doctor immediately as it may be a cause of concern.

The biggest fear from any bug bite is anaphylaxis, a very severe allergic reaction. Get medical help if case of any of the below listed signs experienced:
Wheezing
Shortness of Breath
Weakness
Hives
Certain toxins present in spiders are known to cause discomfort all over the body. Thus, spider bite victims should go see a doctor right away if they experience any of the following:
Body aches
Leg or stomach cramps
Exhaustion
Chills
Sweating
Increase in pulse rate
Headache
Read more on symptoms of a spider bite.

Spider Bite Treatment

Not all spider bites are venomous. Most of them are non-poisonous but are bothersome. However, bites of the black window spider and the brown recluse spider are considered to be dangerous as they are poisonous spiders and tend to destroy body tissues. It is not always possible to look at the wound and determine which spider has bitten the victim. The only way people realize they have been bitten by a poisonous spider is when they experience symptoms all over the body, after the bite. The non-poisonous spiders show normal bug bite symptoms like- redness, itching, swelling and pain and can be treated easily. A few spider bite home remedies are listed below:Wash the place around the bite thoroughly with soap and water. This kills any bacteria present around the wound and prevents infection.
Keep the bite area moist for the first few hours. Compress the wound with an ice pack for about 20 minutes every hour, and for the remaining time keep a wet cloth over it.
If it is possible, elevate the bite location as it helps in bringing down swelling.
There are a few OTC medications like antihistamines and anti inflammatory drugs which help to reduce swelling. In case of severe pain, taking a pain killer will help.
After all this is done, it is important to visit a doctor. A doctor will be able to properly examine the spider bite and prescribe necessary medications. If it is a poisonous spider bite and the normal medications do not prove effective, antivenins are given to halt and counter the spread of poison in the body. Read more on how to get rid of spiders and spider bite: symptoms and treatment.

People should be careful when they are moving their hands around in dark, messy corners of the house or are working in the garden, as these are common places where spiders are found. Keeping the house clutter free, wearing full length clothes while gardening and checking shoes before wearing them are a few ways to prevent spider bites. Not everybody is Peter Parker and hence won't turn into Spiderman after the bite. Follow the spider bite treatment procedure properly to get cured from the bite.