Common questions about Spider Bite answered by Harvard Health Publishing.

How long does spider venom stay in your body?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Usually a person won’t notice a spider bite until hours later. It can take that long for enough irritation from the bite to create discomfort. Most spider bites are solitary (not a cluster of bites). The bite initially appears as a small, pink, raised bump on the skin. It is not very obvious. The toxicity of the venom and how long it stays active varies depending on the type of spider.

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How can you naturally treat a spider bite?

Answered by Dr. Nancy Anoruo

M.D. Faculty – Harvard Medical School · 5 years of experience · USA

Most spider bites do not cause serious symptoms and do not require any treatment other than supportive care which involves washing the bite with soap and water and applying ice to reduce any swelling. If additional relief is desired using medication, diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) can help with any itching and ibuprofen can help with any pain. Of note, there are certain spiders whose bites can cause serious symptoms: if you are bitten by a black widow spider (has a red hourglass on its abdomen) or brown recluse spider (has a golden or dark brown body and six eyes [instead of the usual eight]), you should go to your local emergency department for in-person evaluation and treatment.