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Suggest Remedies For An Insect Bite

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Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Question: I was bitten by a spider (I think a brown recluse) even though I didn't see it. My left wrist is swollen into a knot. I applied ice compounds and neosporin. It happened about 6 hours ago the swelling seems to be getting worse.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
May not be Brown Recluse, but still needs medical attention:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you were bit! Usually with a brown recluse spider bite, by 6 hours the wound starts to be severely painful and itchy.

However, if the swelling is becoming severe, I would recommend going into the ER for observation and treatment. They will likely give Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and may give you a shot of corticosteroids to decrease the inflammation, and possibly a dose pack of this for the next few days.

I'm not sure from your description that it was a brown recluse, but it sounds like you are reacting to whatever bit you.

I am including a link for treatment of Brown Recluse spider bites, for ER physicians, that you may find helpful. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/772295-clinical
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For An Insect Bite

Brief Answer: May not be Brown Recluse, but still needs medical attention: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I'm sorry you were bit! Usually with a brown recluse spider bite, by 6 hours the wound starts to be severely painful and itchy. However, if the swelling is becoming severe, I would recommend going into the ER for observation and treatment. They will likely give Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and may give you a shot of corticosteroids to decrease the inflammation, and possibly a dose pack of this for the next few days. I'm not sure from your description that it was a brown recluse, but it sounds like you are reacting to whatever bit you. I am including a link for treatment of Brown Recluse spider bites, for ER physicians, that you may find helpful. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/772295-clinical