Most spider bites are harmless. But if the redness spreads, you get a fever, or the bite turns into a blister or an open sore, say goodbye to the home remedies. That’s a sign of a bad reaction or infection.
Same if you were bitten by a black widow (feels like a cramp) or a brown recluse (painful, slow-healing). If you’re not sure, take a photo of the spider (safely) and call your doc. It’s better to be the person who overreacts than the person who loses a chunk of skin.
So, here’s the bottom line: Stay cool. Ice it, paste it, cream it, or slap it. But above all, don’t let an itchy bump ruin your day. You are a complex, evolved human with a pharmacy in your kitchen. The spider is just a tiny eight-legged drama queen.
And hey, if all else fails, just ignore it. Your body already has this. The itch will die down in a day or two. Until then, you’ve got this. Go grab some ice.
