Brown Recluse Spider Bite


  • The brown recluse spider may have a violin mark on its back.  It is often found in the south and midwest, preferring dark, well covered areas.  It can cause a severe local reaction.  In extreme cases, severe generalized illnesses such as kidney failure have occurred.

  • Initial symptoms may include:
    1. None
    2. Mild stinging
    3. Occasional severe pain
  • Later (hours to days):
    1. Area forms enlarging deep ulcer
    2. Fever in some individuals
    3. Rash in some individuals
  • Examination:

- Necrotic ulcer (means tissue in skin and below is significantly injured)


  • If mild (determined by a physician), no treatment is necessary.
  • Expanding/necrotic lesions
    1. Prednisone
    2. Surgical debridement
    3. Antivenom and dapsone may help, although they are currently considered purely experimental.

  • See your primary care physician or a dermatologist as soon as possible.